Best of Boston

Bathing-suit shopping can be a fraught endeavor. (Is there anyone on Earth who likes trying on spandex in a poorly lit dressing room?) Mercifully, this Boston- based designer eliminates much of that stress with an array of options — from classic string bikinis to one-pieces that offer a little more coverage — that can be ordered online or browsed in-person at Karol’s eponymous brick-and-mortar in Newport, Rhode Island. And while some swimwear runs frumpy or just plain bor- ing, Karol’s line (inspired by her native Brazil) is jazzed up with fun patterns, interesting cutouts, and unusual details you won’t find elsewhere.