Vintage Style Swimwear: What It Is and Why You Should Try It
If you love the retro look and want to make a splash this summer, you might want to consider vintage style swimwear. Vintage style swimwear is inspired by the swimsuits of the past, from the 1920s to the 1960s, and features classic silhouettes, prints, and details that flatter any body shape. In this blog post, we will explore what vintage style swimwear is, how to choose the right one for you, and where to find the best options.
What is vintage style swimwear?
Vintage style swimwear is swimwear that mimics the designs and styles of swimsuits from previous decades. Some of the most popular eras for vintage style swimwear are:
- The 1920s: This was the decade when women started to show more skin at the beach, but still wore modest one-piece swimsuits that covered most of their legs and arms. The swimsuits were often made of wool or cotton and featured stripes, geometric patterns, or sailor motifs.
- The 1940s: This was the decade when the bikini was invented, but most women still preferred to wear one-piece swimsuits or two-piece sets that had high-waisted bottoms and halter tops. The swimsuits were often made of nylon or rayon and featured floral prints, polka dots, or ruffles.
- The 1950s: This was the decade when the pin-up style became popular, and women embraced their curves with fitted and structured swimsuits that accentuated their busts and waists. The swimsuits were often made of spandex or latex and featured sweetheart necklines, underwired cups or boning.
- The 1960s: This was the decade when the mod style took over, and women experimented with more colourful and playful swimsuits that had low-cut legs and scoop necks. The swimsuits were often made of polyester or acrylic and featured psychedelic prints, geometric shapes, or fringe.
How to choose the right vintage style swimwear for you?
Vintage style swimwear can suit any body type, as long as you choose the right fit, cut, and pattern for your shape and preferences. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect vintage style swimwear for you:
- If you have a pear-shaped body, you might want to opt for a two-piece set that has a high-waisted bottom and a halter top. This will balance your proportions and draw attention to your upper body. You can also look for swimsuits that have ruching, shirring, or ruffles on the bottom to add some volume and texture.
- If you have an apple-shaped body, you might want to go for a one-piece swimsuit that has a wrap or surplice style. This will create the illusion of a smaller waist and enhance your curves. You can also look for swimsuits that have vertical stripes, solid colours, or dark panels on the sides to slim your figure.
- If you have an hourglass-shaped body, you might want to flaunt your curves with a fitted and structured swimsuit that has a sweetheart neckline, underwire cups, or boning. This will emphasize your bust and waist and give you a pin-up look. You can also look for swimsuits that have polka dots, floral prints, or bows to add some femininity and charm.
- If you have a boyish-shaped body, you might want to create some curves with a swimsuit that has a scoop neck, low-cut legs, or fringe. This will add some shape and movement to your body and give you a mod look. You can also look for swimsuits that have psychedelic prints, geometric shapes, or bright colours to add some fun and flair.
Where to find the best vintage style swimwear?
If you are looking for some vintage style swimwear, you have plenty of options to choose from, we here at Bettylicious bring in many retro brands that fit into the vintage style eras and decades of past eras. You can browse online shops that specialize in retro and vintage-inspired clothing, such as Unique Vintage, ModCloth, or Old Soul Retro. You can also check out some online marketplaces that sell vintage and second-hand clothing, such as Etsy or eBay. You can also visit some local thrift stores, flea markets, or vintage fairs that might have some hidden gems.