Summer is here and that means it’s Swimsuit season! For this post I have rounded up some of my favorite vintage swimsuits from the internet (1940s-1960s) to inspire, purchase or just admire. Enjoy!
NOTE: Post updated April 2024
If you click on a swimsuit and it’s no longer avail don’t fret, just keep searching. Etsy and eBay are always adding new vintage items on the daily (by the 1000’s).
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay & Unique Vintage are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Further Reading:
Vintage Swimsuits Inspiration: 1940’s – 1960’s
Vintage 1950’s CATALINA Umbrella print cotton swimsuit. So cute!
Source: Etsy – vintage109online
1950’s Rose Pink swimsuit with floral applique (avail as of March 2023 HERE).
Source: Etsy
Vintage 1950s Skirted Playsuit, Swim Dress by “Rose Marie Reid” with a novelty rose toile print.
Source: Etsy – GeronimoVintage
A fun 1950s vintage swimsuit with polka dots and a skirt.
Source: Etsy
Artist Model an Art Knit Original 1940s/1950s Deadstock blue one piece cotton blend swimsuit.
Source: Etsy
Vintage 1950s Rose Marie Reid blue one Piece bombshell swimsuit.
Source: Etsy
1940s to 1950s Swimsuit From Vetrix Bleyle, sold at Harald Löfberg store in Stockholm (see image below).
Source: Etsy
Playsuits that turn into swimsuits are fantastic for summer parties, because you only have to worry about one outfit for the whole day. This 1940s beauty is the perfect example.
Another Playsuit/Swimsuit from the 1950s. Who does not love Gingham?!
I love details like lovely scalping on the bust of this 1940s swimsuit.
This next suit is stunning and so very 1930s. This swimsuit is luxuriously sleek white and silver striped Lastex stretch satin with skinny black pinstriping. Wow! You would turn heads everywhere you went, that is for sure.
Ohhhhh I wish this next darling of Marina Del Mar 1950s swimsuit would fit me, it’s just so beautiful. At last it won’t so I will have to wish for it to go to a good home instead. Bummer.
1950s Swimsuits with pleated skirts is the ultimate in style, especially when it looks like it would be good to from the pool to the tennis court. Fantastic!
This 1950s bathingsuit would be perfect for VIVA with its patriotic red/white/blue theme but honestly it could be worn anytime because CUTE is perfect anytime.
While not the same swimsuit above, this 1950s two piece Jantzen swimsuit is just a cute! Look at those shorts?
Source: Etsy
Sometimes all a swimsuit needs is a few fantastic details, like this Ivory cream piping scalloped wave pattern with buttons on the below 1950s swimsuit. So pretty.
This 1950s Jantzen Rhinestone beauty is a bit pricey but it’s too stunning to leave on Etsy PLUS it has its vintage ad to match!
Lets not forget the men! Can we all take a moment to revel on how PERFECT these 1950s vintage swim trunks are for the Tiki party? Or for VIVA? WOW!
Here is another perfect Tiki 1950s Vintage Swimsuit for the guys.
And there is the roundup. Still looking for a suit? Etsy and eBay are always good places to go (as seen above) as well as vintage shops in your hood.
I have also put together an Etsy Collection of Vintage Swimsuits that is updated monthly (click the highlighted text to the left).
April 2024 Update: Please check out my friends online vintage style clothing shop, SUZIE’S BOMBSHELL CLOTHING for the PRESALE of her vintage style swimsuit (two colours), romper, beach jacket and swing skirt (her collection). It’s fantastic and I would be thrilled if you supported this woman run business in Ontario, Canada.
Now Question Time: Do you own a vintage swimsuit? Or is one on your bucket list? Share any thoughts in the comments section below!
Lastly here is my latest purchase (June 2022 update). A mint condition 1950s Lane Bryant swimsuit. Isn’t it lovely?
Liz 🙂
I love these swimsuits! Also that party sounds like so much fun. I hope you are planning to share lots of photos over here, I’d love to see them.
Yuppers I will 100% be sharing photos from the event. It will be a guaranteed very colourful post 🙂
Great selection. I think I would choose the gingham playsuit and the paisley swimming costume, they are lovely. I am very tempted to knit a swimsuit as there are so many lovely patterns but I don’t think I would ever wear it!
Ohhh a knitted swimsuit, wonderful! But not good for swimming no?? (how did they swim in them??). You should do it though because it would be so cool to see how it turns out.
Liz 🙂
That first swimsuit/playsuit is just heavenly, and I love the cute ruffly red-white-and-blue number too. Personally I prefer modern swimmers in a vintage-inspired style, just because of the advances in fabrics. Mind you, it’s all a bit hypothetical, since I haven’t worn a swimsuit in 2 years, and even then it was actually boardies and a rashie top (I figured teachers on a school excursion should dress modestly), but I plan to changes that this summer!
I agree with you about reproduction swimsuits and being able to actually swim in them. I have a vintage suit I wore at VIVA but I never went in the water with it. To afraid that all that chlorine will eat it alive 🙁
Yes time to change that! Summers are for swimsuits 🙂 Good luck!
Liz
Sensational suits one and all! I just love the variety of patterns that existed on swimwear back then. Sure, we have some now, but it can all look dime a dozen so quickly at times. Not so, to my eyes at least, with mid-century stunners like these.
Have a fantastic time at the annaul Tiki Party (I’ll be there with you in spirit!),
♥ Jessica
I agree, the suits don’t match up to what the past had to offer. All stunners.
Thanks Jessica, I know you will 🙂
Liz