Vintage Bathing Suits

Kimberly · Jun 13, 2007

Thanks, I love the neckline too and the feeling of the suit which was surprising considering it's wool.

You also have to love the built in bullet bra. Lord knows I need one of those. lol

Miss_Bella_Hell · Jul 12, 2007

Dpes anybody know where I can go to try Esther Williams bathing suits on in person? I seem to be between measurements on the top and bottom and want to figure out if I can fit into one or the other.

ShooShooBaby · Jul 13, 2007

i recently tore out the crumbling old lining on this (1960s?) bathing suit and sewed in a new one! i may wear it to the beach, but will be avoiding chlorine at all costs...

i've had this suit for a year or two now, but it just sat around in my sewing pile. i was prompted to pull it out after a last-minute, unsuccessful bathing suit finding mission at the mall.

ignore my hair please, one side was totally falling out of its pigtail!

JupitersDarling · Jul 13, 2007

That's a cute suit, shooshoobaby! Glad to hear you successfully replaced the lining.

I found a pretty magenta bathing suit in a thriftshop in MA back in the spring with bullet cups and button straps (50s-60s?). I have not worn it yet though because, well, the cups are really pointy! lol How can I find the gumption to wear it?? (Anyone got some extra?)

Fleur De Guerre · Jul 13, 2007

Miss_Bella_Hell said:
Dpes anybody know where I can go to try Esther Williams bathing suits on in person? I seem to be between measurements on the top and bottom and want to figure out if I can fit into one or the other.

Might not be much help, but my friend measures 38-31-41 and she got the suit in a 12, so 37.5-29.5-40, and she said it fit perfectly. Nipped in the right places, didn't create any bulges in the smaller measurements.

Honey Doll · Jul 13, 2007

Miss_Bella_Hell said:
Dpes anybody know where I can go to try Esther Williams bathing suits on in person? I seem to be between measurements on the top and bottom and want to figure out if I can fit into one or the other.

I don't know which one you are looking at, but I have two. I bought the one piece to fit to my bust, but seeing that the waist measurement would be snug. It gives enough to go on, but its a wrestling match to do so. I bought the two piece suit a size up, fitting to my waist, but a bit larger in the bust and am much happer with that suit. It is stretchy and conforms nicely.

Could you order 2 sizes online and send back one once you've settled on a fit?

Honey Doll

Miss_Bella_Hell · Jul 13, 2007

Honey Doll said:
I don't know which one you are looking at, but I have two. I bought the one piece to fit to my bust, but seeing that the waist measurement would be snug. It gives enough to go on, but its a wrestling match to do so. I bought the two piece suit a size up, fitting to my waist, but a bit larger in the bust and am much happer with that suit. It is stretchy and conforms nicely.

Could you order 2 sizes online and send back one once you've settled on a fit?

Honey Doll

Yup, I could do that. I am planning to get a 2-piece. Good idea fitting to the waist, I'll give that a try.

KittyT · Jul 13, 2007

JupitersDarling said:
I found a pretty magenta bathing suit in a thriftshop in MA back in the spring with bullet cups and button straps (50s-60s?). I have not worn it yet though because, well, the cups are really pointy! lol How can I find the gumption to wear it?? (Anyone got some extra?)

I got a suit with boning through the middle of the cups to give it a nice point, but I just didn't fill it out right. I cut out the boning and the thing looks darling now.

olive bleu · Jul 31, 2007

just ordered this one from L.L. Bean,should be here in a couple of days.I really wanted an EW this year, but i am still working on getting my weight down,which i will have succeeded at by next year(hopefully),...and wanted to get something cheaper since the summer is nearly over for us here!

this one was on sale from $79.95 to 39.95!

Fleur De Guerre · Jul 31, 2007

Another great resource for vintage style suits -

Ashley Dean swimwear - http://myspace.com/ashleydeans

I have the orange and black two piece on order and really want either the red or one of the flowery one pieces. Or both!

$ally · Jul 31, 2007

ShooShooBaby said:

Oh my gosh, that is SO cute on you!

ssubialdea · Jul 31, 2007

shoo shoo: too cute! I love the white piping and the cut of the suit, looks great.

fleur: thanks for the ashley dean suits link, the two piece red / black floral is my fave. I also like the yellow one piece floral, really nice designs

MoxieGrl · Aug 1, 2007

I just wanted to give a positive review for the Esther Williams swimsuits. I broke down and got a "classic sheath" in a loud floral print. All the older ladies at the pool complimented me and said they had a suit "just like that" when they were young! I'm pretty curvy, and even being a halter-top it was comfy for swimming in all day! Three cheers for Esther Williams!

bambina · Dec 5, 2007

I know it is winter but what do you all wear swimming?

I have to know? I have trying to find vintage swim for years.
I am new here and excited i found this.I will get some pictures soon.
I am always told i have a classic old hollywood look.I have even been called Snow White.LOL
One thing I do know is myself and my husband were born in the wrong era.

RetroBabydoll · Dec 6, 2007

www.mybabyjo.com has really cute swim suits that are vintage inspired.

bambina · Dec 6, 2007

Thank you...

It is so funny I just came in from outisde and it is freezing here.I was shivering and here I am thinking about vintage swim suits.I have always wanted one.:0)

RetroBabydoll · Dec 6, 2007

bambina said:
It is so funny I just came in from outisde and it is freezing here.I was shivering and here I am thinking about vintage swim suits.I have always wanted one.:0)

You should move to California.....it's crazy warm right now. I thought it was winter time. There are other sites that carry vintage inspired swimsuits if you'd like me to find them.

Off the top of my head....there's also www.pinupgirlclothing.com

LolitaHaze · Dec 6, 2007

This is me in my vintage 50's swimsuit. I did have to take it in the back a bit.

Pink Dahlia · Dec 6, 2007

LolitaHaze said:
This is me in my vintage 50's swimsuit. I did have to take it in the back a bit.

Oh boo hoo it must be so hard being skinny.

LolitaHaze · Dec 6, 2007

Pink Dahlia said:
Oh boo hoo it must be so hard being skinny.

Actually, I was just thinking how thick my thighs look. My calves too in that photo.

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