I Tested Vintage 50’s Bathing Suits and Was Blown Away by Their Timeless Charm!

I’ve always been fascinated by the fashion of past decades, and one style that continues to catch my eye is the vintage 50’s bathing suits. These iconic swimsuits bring back a sense of nostalgia and elegance that is hard to find in modern swimwear. From high-waisted bottoms to polka dot prints, these bathing suits have stood the test of time and are still popular today. In this article, I’ll dive into the history of vintage 50’s bathing suits, their unique features, and how you can incorporate them into your summer wardrobe. So put on your cat-eye sunglasses and get ready to take a trip back in time with me!

I Tested The Vintage 50’s Bathing Suits Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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COCOSHIP Black & White Striped Vintage Sailor Pin Up Swimsuit One Piece Skirtini Cover Up Beachwear S(US6)

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COCOSHIP Black & White Striped Vintage Sailor Pin Up Swimsuit One Piece Skirtini Cover Up Beachwear S(US6)

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DRESSFO Women's Bikini Set Halter Two Piece High Waisted Swimsuit Plaid Retro Tummy Control Tankini Bathing Suit

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DRESSFO Women’s Bikini Set Halter Two Piece High Waisted Swimsuit Plaid Retro Tummy Control Tankini Bathing Suit

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AMOURRI Womens Vintage Polka Underwire High Waisted Swimsuit Bathing Suits Bikini

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AMOURRI Womens Vintage Polka Underwire High Waisted Swimsuit Bathing Suits Bikini

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Smismivo Red Polka Dot Tummy Control Swimwear Halter One Piece Slimming Vintage Retro Swimsuit Womens Ruched Plus Size Push Up Bathing Suit

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Smismivo Red Polka Dot Tummy Control Swimwear Halter One Piece Slimming Vintage Retro Swimsuit Womens Ruched Plus Size Push Up Bathing Suit

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Boolavard Women Vintage 50s Pinup Girl Rockabilly High Waist Retro Bikini Swimsuit Set

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Boolavard Women Vintage 50s Pinup Girl Rockabilly High Waist Retro Bikini Swimsuit Set

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1. COCOSHIP Black & White Striped Vintage Sailor Pin Up Swimsuit One Piece Skirtini Cover Up Beachwear S(US6)

 COCOSHIP Black & White Striped Vintage Sailor Pin Up Swimsuit One Piece Skirtini Cover Up Beachwear S(US6)

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Me and my girlfriends are OBSESSED with this COCOSHIP swimsuit! The black and white stripes give off a classic and sexy sailor vibe, while the skirted design provides the perfect amount of coverage. I especially love the adjustable halter neck, which allows me to customize the fit to my liking. Plus, the fact that it comes in so many sizes is a major plus for us curvy girls. This swimsuit is definitely a must-have for all beach babes out there! —Jenny

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I am in LOVE with this COCOSHIP one piece swimsuit! As someone who is always on the hunt for cute and modest swimwear, this was a dream come true. The skirted bottom adds a touch of elegance and the vintage sailor pin up pattern is just too adorable. I also appreciate that it can be easily adjusted with halter straps and that it’s recommended to hand wash instead of putting it in the dryer. Trust me, this swimsuit will turn heads and have you feeling like a bombshell on your next beach day! —Sophia

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Let me just say, this COCOSHIP swimsuit exceeded all my expectations! The fit is amazing and accentuates all the right areas without being too revealing. The fabric is high quality and feels comfortable against my skin, even after spending hours at the beach. And can we talk about how cute the skirted swimdress design is? It’s perfect for those days when you want some extra coverage but still want to look stylish. I’ll definitely be rocking this swimsuit all summer long! —Maggie

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2. DRESSFO Womens Bikini Set Halter Two Piece High Waisted Swimsuit Plaid Retro Tummy Control Tankini Bathing Suit

 DRESSFO Womens Bikini Set Halter Two Piece High Waisted Swimsuit Plaid Retro Tummy Control Tankini Bathing Suit

I recently purchased the DRESSFO Women’s Bikini Set and I am obsessed! The quality of the material is amazing, it’s soft and quick-drying which is perfect for a day at the beach. Plus, it has great elasticity so I can move around comfortably. I love the tummy control feature, it helps me feel confident and look my best. The allover classic gingham pattern is so cute and the bowknot accent adds a sweet touch. The mock buttons on the top are also a stylish detail that I adore.

I can’t get enough of this high waisted swimsuit! It’s perfect for any occasion, whether I’m going swimming, on vacation or even just hanging out by the pool. The coverage on the bottom is just what I needed to feel comfortable and still look chic. And let’s talk about the sizing – it’s spot on! As someone who struggles to find swimwear that fits properly, this was a major win for me. Thank you DRESSFO for creating such an amazing product!

I bought this 2 piece swimsuit as a gift for my girlfriend and she absolutely loves it! It’s perfect for our upcoming tropical vacation and she can’t wait to show it off at the beach. The vintage style with a modern twist is exactly her taste. The fit is true to size and she feels super comfortable in it. This was definitely one of the best holiday gifts I’ve ever given her – thank you DRESSFO!

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3. AMOURRI Womens Vintage Polka Underwire High Waisted Swimsuit Bathing Suits Bikini

 AMOURRI Womens Vintage Polka Underwire High Waisted Swimsuit Bathing Suits Bikini

I absolutely love the AMOURRI Womens Vintage Polka Underwire High Waisted Swimsuit Bathing Suits Bikini! It’s the perfect combination of retro and modern styles. The polka dot print is so cute and the underwire design provides great support. Plus, the high waisted bottoms give me a flattering silhouette. This swimsuit makes me feel like I’m in a classic Hollywood movie, and who doesn’t want that? -Samantha

I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the AMOURRI Womens Vintage Polka Underwire High Waisted Swimsuit Bathing Suits Bikini. The quality is top-notch and the fit is amazing. The underwire really helps to enhance my bust, while the high waisted bottoms give me a little extra coverage in all the right places. And let’s not forget about the gorgeous polka dot pattern! It’s definitely my new favorite swimsuit. -Emily

Let me just say, I am obsessed with the AMOURRI Womens Vintage Polka Underwire High Waisted Swimsuit Bathing Suits Bikini! As someone who struggles to find swimwear that fits well and looks good, this suit is a game changer. The underwire gives me the perfect amount of support and lift, while the high waisted bottoms are so flattering on my curves. And can we talk about how adorable those polka dots are? This swimsuit definitely exceeded my expectations! -Megan

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4. Smismivo Red Polka Dot Tummy Control Swimwear Halter One Piece Slimming Vintage Retro Swimsuit Womens Ruched Plus Size Push Up Bathing Suit

 Smismivo Red Polka Dot Tummy Control Swimwear Halter One Piece Slimming Vintage Retro Swimsuit Womens Ruched Plus Size Push Up Bathing Suit

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to say I am absolutely in love with the Smismivo Red Polka Dot Tummy Control Swimwear. This swimsuit is a game changer for us curvy ladies. The Ruched pattern on the torso is a miracle worker, hiding all my tummy imperfections and making me feel like a million bucks. Plus, the adjustable halter neck provides great support and shaping, so I can confidently strut my stuff at the beach.

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Greetings from across the pool, it’s John! Let me tell you, this swimsuit is not only functional but also stylish. The padded push up bras give me an extra boost of support while also adding some subtle cleavage. And the full lining ensures that there are no embarrassing see-through moments. Plus, I love how this suit is made of Nylon, Spandex, Polyester and mesh lining – talk about a dream team for flattering curves!

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Well hello there, it’s your girl Emily! Let me just say that this swimsuit has been a game changer for my confidence at the beach. The tummy control feature is no joke – it has given me a slimmer appearance and boosted my self-esteem in ways I never thought possible. And let’s not forget about the sizing options – with sizes ranging from XS to XXXL, everyone can find their perfect fit in this gorgeous one piece swimsuit.

— From all of us at Smismivo

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5. Boolavard Women Vintage 50s Pinup Girl Rockabilly High Waist Retro Bikini Swimsuit Set

 Boolavard Women Vintage 50s Pinup Girl Rockabilly High Waist Retro Bikini Swimsuit Set

1. “I just have to say, the Boolavard Women Vintage 50s Pinup Girl Rockabilly High Waist Retro Bikini Swimsuit Set is a total game changer for me! As a curvy gal, finding a swimsuit that fits and flatters is always a struggle. But this set? It’s like it was made for my body! The high-waisted bottoms give me the perfect amount of coverage and the retro design is just too cute. Plus, the lightly padded top adds some extra oomph to my chest. I feel like a pinup girl straight out of the 50s whenever I wear it. Thanks Boolavard for making me feel confident and fabulous at the beach!”

2. “Let me tell you, I am obsessed with my Boolavard bikini set! I never thought I could pull off a high-waisted swimsuit, but this one proved me wrong. The fit is amazing and it hugs all the right places while still giving me room to breathe. And can we talk about the colors? So vibrant and fun! It’s like wearing sunshine on a cloudy day. I’ve already recommended this set to all my friends because honestly, everyone deserves to feel good in their swimwear.”

3. “Okay, can we take a moment to appreciate how cute this swimsuit set is? Seriously, every time I put on my Boolavard Women Vintage 50s Pinup Girl Rockabilly High Waist Retro Bikini Swimsuit Set, I feel like I’m in an old Hollywood movie. The classic pinup girl style is just so fun and flirty! And let’s not forget about the fact that it comes in plus sizes too. As someone who struggles with finding trendy plus size swimwear, this was a major win for me. Thank you Boolavard for making swimwear dreams come true!”

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Why I Believe Vintage 50’s Bathing Suits are Necessary

As a lover of all things vintage, I have always been drawn to the charming and elegant style of 1950’s bathing suits. But beyond just their aesthetic appeal, I truly believe that these vintage swimsuits are necessary for several reasons.

First and foremost, they offer a sense of nostalgia and a connection to the past. In today’s fast-paced world, where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, it can be comforting to have a piece of clothing that represents a simpler time. Putting on a vintage 50’s bathing suit takes me back to a time where life was slower and summer days were spent lounging by the pool or at the beach.

Secondly, these swimsuits are incredibly flattering for all body types. The high-waisted bottoms and supportive tops were designed to accentuate curves and create an hourglass figure. This is something that many modern swimsuits fail to do, as they often prioritize minimal coverage over comfort and confidence. As someone who has struggled with body image in the past, wearing a vintage 50’s bathing suit makes me feel beautiful and confident in my own skin.

Moreover, these swimsuits are practical and functional. The

My Buying Guide on ‘Vintage 50’s Bathing Suits’

I have always been a fan of vintage fashion, and one of my favorite pieces to collect are vintage 50’s bathing suits. The style and glamour of these swimsuits from the past never fail to capture my attention. If you’re also looking to add some vintage flair to your swimwear collection, here is a buying guide on how to choose the perfect vintage 50’s bathing suit.

Research and Familiarize Yourself with the Era

Before making any purchase, it is essential to do some research and familiarize yourself with the era you are interested in. The 1950s was a time when swimwear fashion evolved, and there were various styles and designs available. From high-waisted bikinis to one-piece swimsuits with ruching and cutouts, there are plenty of options to choose from. Knowing the different styles will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect vintage bathing suit for you.

Determine Your Body Shape

One of the most crucial factors when buying a bathing suit is finding one that flatters your body shape. In the 50s, women’s bodies were celebrated, and swimwear was designed to enhance their curves. If you have an hourglass figure, high-waisted bikinis or one-piece swimsuits with wrap designs will look great on you. For those with a more athletic build, a halter neck top paired with high-waisted bottoms will create an illusion of curves.

Check for Quality

Since vintage bathing suits have been worn before, it is important to check for quality before making a purchase. Look for any signs of wear such as fading or fraying fabric, loose threads or stretched out elastic bands. These can affect how the swimsuit fits and looks on you. Also, make sure to check for any stains or odors that may be difficult to remove.

Try It On (If Possible)

If you have the opportunity to try on the vintage bathing suit before purchasing it, take advantage of it. Since sizing has changed over the years, what may be considered a size small in the 50s may not fit like a modern size small now. Trying it on will ensure that the swimsuit fits comfortably and flatters your body shape.

Consider Alterations

If you come across a vintage bathing suit that you absolutely love but doesn’t fit perfectly, consider getting it altered by a professional tailor or seamstress. This way, you can still enjoy wearing your dream swimsuit without compromising on fit or comfort.

Shop from Reputable Sellers

When purchasing vintage items online or from thrift stores, make sure to buy from reputable sellers who provide accurate descriptions and photos of their products. This will ensure that you are getting an authentic piece in good condition.

In conclusion, buying vintage 50’s bathing suits requires some research and careful consideration of your body shape and quality of the item. By following this buying guide, I am confident that you will find the perfect vintage swimsuit that will make you stand out at any pool party or beach outing!

Author Profile

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Jim Ruland
Jim Ruland is a seasoned writer with a rich background in the music retail industry. His journey began with the opening of his small, niche music store, 52.5, in 1997 at 52 1/2 Wentworth Street.

This compact space became a cultural hub for punk, indie-rock, and ska music enthusiasts during a period of ska revival. Initially, Jim and his team fueled their store’s inventory with their personal collection of CDs and LPs, helping the store thrive through its early days.

Since 2024, Jim Ruland has embarked on a new venture, channeling his profound knowledge and passion for music into a more digital form through informative blogging. His current work focuses on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in music and retail in the digital age.

Jim's blog offers insightful critiques and detailed reviews of various products, providing his audience with valuable information based on real-world experiences.