Vintage Bathing Suits

[maisie]

I'm going on holiday at the end of May, so i need a swimsuit to wear. I love the 1940s ones as they are so stylish and flattering, but I was wondering would the chlorine in swimming pools disintegrate the old fabric? Has anyone ever worn a vintage swimsuit to actually swim in?
Or if anyone know where i could get a good vintage inspired swimsuit please let me know!

Thanks!

 

[V For Vixen]

Try here Maisie!

http://www.revampvintage.com/index1.html

Scroll down the list of headings to the far left of the page and you will find "The Swimsuit Collection".

Let us know how you get on,

Vix
xx

 

[CWetherby]

Here's one that looks vintage-inspired....
http://landsend.com/cd/ppr/0,,57289_AJ.html?sid=8441113194053136910&fit=593

...but should hold up well in all sorts of water!

Good luck!

 

[maisie]

Oh, thanks for the link! I love all the bathing suits!

I particulary like these two:

http://www.revampvintage.com/index1.html
http://www.revampvintage.com/index1.html

I don't know which one to go for though!!
I think a repro will be better than an original, as i would be able to forgive myself if I ruined a 1940s one! Beside the price isn't too bad either not much difference if i went and bought a modern one acutally, and these are way more stylish!!:eusa_clap


Thanks!

 

[V For Vixen]

Nothing for it but to buy both then!

V
xx

 

[shindeco]

If you knit, I have a pattern book from the early thirties with bathing suit patterns.

I don't knit but talked a friend who does into making me the men's suit (apparently, inserting the the gusset is sheer misery). I have yet to wear it in the water but some day...

 

[mysterygal]

I've also noticed in certain stores that the style is making somewhat of a comeback. The bathing suits are super cute

 

[MissQueenie]

I might be a little paranoid, but does anyone else worry about what those knitted suits would do once they're soaked? I'm imagining the fabric drooping under its own weight and possibly...er, exposing one to ridicule (or arrest). I can't imagine this actually happens -- does anyone know for sure?

Besides -- wool + water = major rash. I wonder if you could knit in acrylic...

 

[Lauren]

A friend pointed me to Ester Williams Swimwear. A lot of the cuts, if not fabrics, look very similar to those of the late 40's/1950's.

 

[Irena]

I like this suit:

http://www.mybabyjo.com/clothes/bath1.htm

 

[CWetherby]

A friend pointed me to Ester Williams Swimwear. A lot of the cuts, if not fabrics, look very similar to those of the late 40's/1950's.

Ok, that's just plain cool!! Esther Williams has a swim suit line! Appropriate and very very nifty!

 

[CherryRed]

A friend pointed me to Ester Williams Swimwear. A lot of the cuts, if not fabrics, look very similar to those of the late 40's/1950's.

Thanks for posting that Lauren. I knew she had one when the Sears catalog was still around but I didn't know the line still existed. I remember wanting one all those years ago.

Here is another nice one:

http://www.daddyos.com/retro/jm1.html

 

[Tin Pan Sally]

A friend of mine sells some Ester Williams at his site. I'm going to have the blue velvet one-piece soon:
http://www.erawearhouse.com/EraWearhouse/productslist.aspx?CategoryID=16&selection=19

 

[maisie]

Oh, so much choice!!
I will have to have a think about it, but I definatly like one of the Esther Williams swimsuits, it is the simple bathing suit, very plain but so much style!!

 

[mysterygal]

was actually just out shopping so I strolled through the swimsuit isle, what I really like are the bottom suits that look like short shorts....wondering, isn't that vintage inspired?

 

[Lauren]

Yup! My mom had suits like that in the 60's. They're super cute! Kinda Gidget-y.

 

[ITG]

Do y'all know if the Esther Williams bathing suits are lined and have padded cups? I'm just wondering how much support and unwanted show & tell it might have. I really like the leapard skin design (to match my sunglasses!).

 

[V For Vixen]

Hiya!

From the Esther Williams catalogue:

Additional information regarding our Swimwear:

All suits have soft foam cups as well as tummy control panel.
All suits are fully lined in the front with lycra lining.
All suits have tummy control power net.
All suits have soft foam cups.
The solid fabrics are 80% nylon 20% spandex.
The print fabrics are 85% nylon 15% spandex.
The one piece suits have a 3/4" elastic under the bust for support.
There are no wires in any of the suits.

So, looks like they'll do the job......... now, where's that credit card? lol

V
xx

 

[Maria]

Since my grandmother loves going to the beach and has always been a big fan of Esther Williams' movies, and I figured she would might like to have one of Esther Williams' beautiful vintage style bathing suits - so I decided to buy her one, for her birthday.
She got the bathing suit last week, and she just loved it! I loved it too, so I'm seriously considering getting myself one. This one:

 

[mysterygal]

Maria, I agree, that bathing suit looks fantastic! well, I've got my excuse to go shopping