A popular bathing-suit boutique with extravagant prints and perfect cuts.

This delightful house in the Jardim Botânico, an insider’s secret, is where many fashionable society ladies shop.

A small atelier in Jardim Botânico with limited collections by new and interesting designers.

This colorful funky beachwear company epitomizes Rio’s vibrant, groovy style. It is ideal for young, flamboyant women. Think palazzo pants in tropical patterns and crocheted boleros and Adidas track suits in tropical patterns.

One of the most sophisticated and nicest malls in Rio, Fashion Mall in São Conrado is the best option for buying Brazilian bathing suits: Rosa Chá, Lenny and Salinas are all here. Other brands include sophisticated Bo.Bô and Cris Barros (top fashion), luxury department store Daslu, funky Farm and charming Le Lis Blanc. For gifts, head for Granado – beautiful bath and beauty products. Children will love the Happy Kids playroom. There are also a number of restaurants (for Argentinian meat, choose Pobre Juan, or CT Brasserie for more eclectic fare). The mall is bathed in natural light and filled with internal gardens. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sundays and holidays 3 p.m.–9 p.m.

Back in the late ’60s, there were hippies selling their handcrafts at Ipanema’s Praça General Osório. The hippies may be gone, but the open-air market remains: every Sunday, from 8 a.m. to sundown, Feira Hippie de Ipanema attracts cariocas and visitors with a fun, vibrant mix of arts, crafts, jewelry, musical instruments, pottery, clothes and toys. Hidden in the touristy chaos are some terrific finds in jewelry, leather and pottery. Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of time for browsing and haggling (most vendors speak some English). Indagare Tip: Next door is café and shop Amazonia Soul.

Surf/skate shops sit side by side with boutiques featuring Brazil’s hot new designers at this semi-hidden mall. Stop to grab a bite in new Hare Burger (55 (21) 3518 4968), a veggie burger and healthy snacks joint, beloved by beach boys.

You can find this typical Brazilian flip flops all over Rio. They are such a staple that many newsstands and grocery shops have racks of them on display. However, the ultimate temple is the flagship Ipanema shop, which has the greatest variety and some models available only here.

The most luxurious and stylish—and expensive—one- and two-piece bathing suits can be found here. Another outpost is in the Shopping Da Gávea mall (55 (21) 2529-3251.

The company, which has stores in Rome and New York, among other international locations, is the epitome of Brazilian eco-luxury clothes for men and women. Dramatic designs and prints with Brazilian flair are the mains aspects of designer Oskar Metsavaht’s creations. Prices are steep.

This little shop showcases a unique assortment of pieces by Brazilian designers and handmade items by artisans from local co-ops. It’s one of my favorites, and the ideal place to pick up that hard-to-find gift: embroidered T-shirts, amazing purses, pretty custom jewelry and unusual housewares. There is another location at ua Visconde de Pirajá 215.

Constança Basto’s shoe shop stocks serious high-style heels.

Laid back and sophisticated at the same time, Reserva carries breezy fashion that is adored by Brazilians all around the country.

The casual styles at Richards provide the elegant, laid-back look you’ll see in the most fashionable resorts in Brazil, from Buzios to Paraty. Think linen shirts, colorful swim trunks and flirty dresses.

This is one of the best brands for bathing suits and beachwear in Rio. Fun and colorful pieces plus a great selection for kids. Don’t miss the accessories, like hats and sandals. Salinas can be found in most malls and shopping complexes in Rio.

Cutting-edge shoes, beloved by trendy brazilian girls.

The source for comfortable yoga-type clothes.

Small, family-oriented and easy to navigate, Shopping da Gávea is my favorite mall, with its open architecture and chic selection of shops, including stylish Brazilian brands such as Lenny (great bathing suits), Osklen (Brazil’s answer to the Gap) and Richards (elegant resortwear). Área Objetos is also located here. Open Monday-Sunday 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

The new kid in town, and with its convenient location and fine selection of stores, this mall is definitely worth a visit. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sundays and holidays 3 p.m.–9 p.m.

Another stylish Carioca shop for a beach lifestyle. Designer Paula Hermanny sells bikinis and as cover-ups as well as colorful silk maxi dresses, flowing skirts and tunics and blouses. She also creates a line of attractive leather tote bags.