For Chris Turk’s whole life, he dreamed of creating a swim line. Recently, he even found his swimsuit drawings from as early as 5th grade. “I always was fascinated with design, swim, and the water,” he says. “But it took me many years to come up with the courage to take the leap.” When Chris moved to California in 2018, he decided it was time to launch Chris Turk Swim.
He started by selling swim briefs at a store in Fire Island Pines, which is near Long Island’s Fire Island. His business grew each year, and his line is now available in more than 20 boutiques. In April 2025, he opened his first storefront in Asbury Park.
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High Tides, Higher Prices
“I reached a point where I was tired of paying insane prices for swim that was only halfway-decent quality, which felt like a copy and paste of everyone else’s,” Chris recalls. “I felt like there was a miss in the market for quality; one that included unique fun designs that were designed on real bodies. I design on real bodies because most of us are working with curves and our constantly changing bodies,” he says.
Chris Turk Swim offers a range of swimwear. They offer four- and six-inch swim to gym shorts, bikinis, and one pieces. The swim shorts and one pieces are meant for both genders. “I want everyone to feel comfortable and sexy in their skin and in our swimwear,” he explains.
It’s hard for Chris to pick a favorite item, as new ones emerge with each new collection he unveils. Right now, he loves his green and white swim-to-gym shorts and his soft hoodies. He emphasizes that his store is one where “everyone can go to and find something that they truly love.”
He attended Marist University and majored in Art Studio, with a concentration in graphic design, with minors in fashion merchandising and photography. From there, he went on to hold positions across the fashion industry. His area of expertise ended up being in fashion PR where he was a media director for CLD PR, working with many well-known brands. “I’ve found that working in so many fashion arenas has helped me understand the in’s and outs of what it takes to create a successful business.”
About Chris Turk
Chris lives in town. He chose Asbury Park for its balanced proximity to the beach, the city, family, and friends. He was also looking for someplace with, as he puts it, “a dash of gay”. However, he quickly noticed the town didn’t have anything catering to swim and beachwear with offerings for the LGBTQA+ community.
During Pride Month, Chris Turk Swim raised funds for The Center in Asbury Park. They donated 10% of their opening day proceeds to them; 100% of the proceeds from the Protect the Dolls T-shirts he designed (in support of trans women); and hosted a pop-up with Dani’s Delights, a home baker.
Visit Chris Turk Swim at 1100 Ocean Ave N Unit C in Asbury Park. Look for them online to learn more.
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Photos: © Chris Turk Swim
