The Case for Retro Swimwear

Retro swimwear is so much more appealing than the string bikini and other “barely there” bathing suits. It goes one step further than the bathing suits and one-piece swimsuits of today in terms of coverage, but also in terms of retro-chic factor.

Marilyn Monroe in a white halter-style bathing suit in 1956.

The pros: making a case for the retro suit.

• How about leaving a little something to the imagination? Just because you’ve got it doesn’t mean you need to show everyone on the beach.
• Vintage-style suits are so much more practical for doing anything on the beach. Volleyball, anyone?
• Retro suits stand out in the sea of ladies who are all wearing the same tired styles, and allow you to stand out as an individual.
• Finally, they are so much more forgiving for all body types. That string bikini is just not.

What makes a suit retro

The one-piece of the 1940s and 1950s was built like a garment. It had ruching across the stomach, a low-cut leg, boned or shaped cups, and often a halter neck or a sweetheart neckline. The bikini arrived in 1946, but for years afterwards most women on the beach still wore a one-piece or a high-waisted two-piece.

So that is what to look for now: ruching, a halter neck or wide straps, a high waist on a two-piece, and prints like polka dots, gingham and sailor stripes.

So get cracking and start shopping for your new retro-style swimsuit for this summer. You might be surprised that you can even find retro-style suits at large mainstream retailers like Victoria’s Secret.

Now all you need is the sun.