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Vintage Bathing Suits

Kimberly

Practically Family
Messages
643
Location
Massachusetts
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

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,960
Location
Los Angeles, CA
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

One Too Many
Messages
1,149
Location
portland, oregon
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!
777519242_537168a480.jpg

777519594_5fe5326460.jpg
 

JupitersDarling

One of the Regulars
Messages
221
Location
South Carolina
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

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,056
Location
Walton on Thames, UK
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

Practically Family
Messages
523
Location
Rochester, NY
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

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,960
Location
Los Angeles, CA
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

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,463
Location
Boston, MA
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

One Too Many
Messages
1,667
Location
Nova Scotia
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!

L52991_Blue_Pine.jpg
 

ssubialdea

One of the Regulars
Messages
140
Location
Dallas, Texas
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

Familiar Face
Messages
51
Location
North Carolina
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

New in Town
Messages
10
Location
oklahoma
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.
 

bambina

New in Town
Messages
10
Location
oklahoma
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

A-List Customer
Messages
392
Location
LA
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
 

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