History of the Trend: Retro-Inspired Swimwear
My friend Molly, actress Martha Vickers, & young Marilyn Monroe showcase retro swimsuits | Photo Credits: 1, 2
It’s those last blissful weeks of summer. How are you spending them? I’m crossing a few things off my summer bucket list, including some DIY projects, tons of movie nights, and a few great afternoons at the pool in my cutest swimsuit.
We’ve all seen our share of less-than-attractive swimsuit trends (like these from Miami Swim fashion week in July), but one trend that I’m happy to see is the return of flirty, glamorous, and timeless swimwear from the early 20th century. Hollywood starlets and models knew what they were doing when wearing these suits, and designers are taking note. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn the history of the ever-evolving swimsuit, with a special focus on some of the more classic cuts.
History of Swimwear in the 20th Century
A modern take on retro-style swimwear, c/o Ruche
- In the early 20th century, “bathing clothes” were just that – clothes! Swimming dresses were made of lighter fabric than traditional dresses, but they still had full skirts, and even stockings! Definitely not the most fashionable pieces, these garments were made for sitting in the sun and dipping your toes in the water…not for swimming!
- Portland Knitting Company was founded by Carl Jantzen, Roy Zehntbauer, and John Zehntbauer in 1910. After producing a wool suit for a rowing team, they began offering “swimsuits” to their regular customers. A big selling point for these early suits, of course, was that you could actually swim. “Jantzens” became highly popular thanks to the fit that the rib-stitched wool provided. The company officially changed its name to Jantzen Knitting Mills in 1918.
- Swimwear in the 1920s had a look similar to that of a mini-dress, often referred to as a maillot. Bathing caps made from latex rubber completed the look!
- By the 1930s, designers were looking for ways to improve the maillot. Elsa Schiaparelli added swimsuits to her collection in 1928, but brought them a step further when she introduced the backless maillot. The suit also featured a patented, invisible bra to enhance a woman’s shape. These improvements in style and function helped cultivate the early glamour of bathing beauties.
- 1940s swimsuits came in both one-piece and two-piece varieties, though these forerunners of the bikini were modestly sexy. Featuring flattering sweetheart and square necklines up top paired with high-waisted shorts below, these suits were perfect for fun in the sun! Suits of this era also featured strategic cut-outs, as manufacturers had limited resources during wartime.
- Glamour swimwear really took off in the 1950s and 60s. Suits were modeled by the quintessential pin-up girls, so named because these women were popular, attractive, and their images were meant to be displayed, pinned up on walls everywhere. ’50s styles featured ruffles, rhinestones, lace, and other ladylike touches. In an interview with Collectors Weekly, vintage swimwear collector Pam Fierro said, “Vintage swimsuits, especially ones from the ’50s, are very corset-like. They’re made with boning and zippers and elastic to help accentuate your assets.”
- The retro-inspired swimwear we see in stores now borrows vintage silhouettes and detailing and adds current swim materials, embellishments, and fit techniques to create unique swimsuits that make us look and feel beautiful!
Why We Still Love This Trend
Bright colors were a swimsuit fixture even in 1950! | Photo Credit
Fill in the blank: Retro swimwear is _______. There are plenty of words we can use there, and while I can’t wait to read your innovative suggestions, here are mine:
- Flattering. Retro swimsuits love your body in a way that few other styles can. They were designed to show off the female form at its best, but in a subtle way. Give these silhouettes a try if you don’t like to show too much skin but still want to show what you’ve got. It’s the best of both worlds!
- Feminine. Swimsuit confidence is tricky sometimes, I know, but I’m telling you, I never feel prettier for a day in the sun than when I’m wearing my retro two-piece. It combines everything I love about the clothes I already own (classic colors, ruffles, and tailored fit) and transforms them into a suit that I can’t wait to wear.
- Quirky. These suits are not your best friend’s bikini, and I think that’s what I like most about them. They’re classic, but different enough that they make people look twice. Lucky for you, you look terrific, so feel free to look back!
Your Turn!
How would you fill in “Retro swimwear is ____”? Do you like this trend? Which style is your favorite? Any other trends you think deserve a feature? I’d love to hear what you think!
Posted on on August 11, 2011 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Fashion History, Fashion Industry, history, Retro, Swimwear, swimwear trend
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Sydney
I LOVE this trend. As a more curvy girl these retro swim suits give me such a confidence boost! I only wish I could find vintage inspired swim suits more.
Katie
I agree, as a curvier girl, retro swimsuits are super flattering!
Eimear
Retro swimwear is elegant. At those times, bikinis weren’t around to only barely cover one’s modesty. They were classy and left a lot more to the imagination than the swimsuits of today.
Candace
Perfect for the girl who wants bikini look without showing too much skin.Great transition from one-piece to two-piece for curvier girls.
Ella
Retro swimwear is brilliant. The suits are super flattering, like you said, and they make me feel like a pin-up girl, which is always fun!
Sarah
I remember my first retro swimsuit. It was a halter tankini with hi-cut bottoms, in a cobalt blue. Love.
jenn
i love it! i have a hard time finding high waisted bottoms but recently got a floral pair. they help prevent major sunburn because they cover more but i still find regular bottoms more flattering on my body because i don’t have too many curves ;(
Alia
Retro swimwear is absolutely amazing! I have been looking for some all summer but all of them were just a little above my swimwear budget of $50! They are so flattering and are a little more modest than a lot of the swimwear you find in stores today!
jen
I loveee this trend! My body is the weirdest body to try and fit swimsuits (I lost a lot of weight a few years ago so I have a thin silhouette but i’m not very toned) so the regular string bikinis arent flattering at the least because they show too much, and they rarely cover up my poppin’ booty. I found this high-waisted swimsuit bottom at target that is made by the people who make spanx. It was love. It covers up the lower half of my belly, shows off where I am thinnest and sucks my butt up. I just grabbed a ruffly halter top at victoria’s secret and I was good to go!
Alessandra
Retro swimwear is sexy! It is such a cute trend and I don’t think it will go out of style.
I would really love a post like this on midi-skirts, those skirts that are below the knee but are not maxis. I’ve seen a lot of flowy or pleated ones in the stores. They seem to be so in this fall! Thanks!
Rachel - Butler University
Great suggestion, Alessandra! I’ve been on the hunt for my next post, and the midi-skirt would be a great transition to fall trends. Thanks!
Taylor
I looovvvveeee anything retro, and I think vintage trends are much more flattering of a woman’s curves. This spring I bought a suit from Victoria’s Secret that i knew I had to have. Its coral with white polka dots. The top is a bandeau has white ruffled trim, and i got a cheeky bottom that also has a ruffle. AKA its amazing. they may still have it in stock, if anyones interested.
Also, the high waisted bottoms, sailor suits, serongs and strapless one peices, TO DIE FOR. They flatter every shape, and show off little skin while still making you look sexy!
Danielle
retro swimwear is adorable. it adds a really sweet touch to have a suit with a vintage vibe. a high waisted bottom can make some look frumpy if it isn’t done well or if it simply doesn’t suit one’s body type.
Aisha
LOVE this post!
Bianca
LOVE LOVE LOVE this trend! I found a great high waist swim suit at Urban Outfitters and I have my eye on a few at other places. I’m so excited to rock this trend once I get my body in shape :)