Vintage Bathing Suits

[Hey_Laaaaaady!]

I would like to make a wearable swimsuit from a vintage pattern...is this possible? What sort of fabric should I use? I'm really confused at this point....there isn't much info out there. Any and all tips would help!

 

[Tomasso]

 

[Stray Cat]

Playboy bunny bathing suit?
GREAT!

 

[poggleberry]

Purchased today from Debenhams from the Floozie range, at last I've found a 50's inspired swimsuit.

 

[Idledame]

Suddenly Slim by Catalina
At Wallmart.com of all places, for $32! Comes in red, black, turquoise or leopard

 

[cherry lips]

June Haver, Mary Anderson, Gale Robbins, Jeanne Crain and Trudy Marshall.
(I want the flamingo one!) http://blog.johannaost.com

 

[K.McG]

the flamingo one is amazing!!!!!!

I just got one of the Esther Williams suits, and I love it!!

it is pretty great!

 

[Heather]

I want an Esther Williams suit! In fact, I just bought a cute coverall last weekend and discovered that I have no idea where my swimsuit is! I'm almost hoping I don't find it so I cam have the excuse to splurge. Shhhh..... ;-)

 

[Bombshell Becca]

I have wanted a Esther Williams suit for a while now my self but I'm in between sizes. Can someone tell me how they fit?

 

[Gracie Lee]

I just received the Catalina suit available at WalMart (of all places), and it really looks just like the Esther Williams posted above. I'm really happy with it - it's super flattering and supportive up top. I'm actually looking forward to being seen in it, and I didn't have to dip into savings to get it! If I ever make it to the beach, I'll post pics

 

[Joie DeVive]

Anybody familiar with Fables by Barrie? Just ran across them while web surfing.
http://www.fablesbybarrie.com/
Pretty cute stuff. I was just wondering about quality, durability, etc.

Also, there are some nice repro Jantzen suits at my TJ Maxx right now..

 

[Drappa]

Asos has got some Jantzen suits and also cheap 50's bikinis:
http://www.asos.com/ASOS-50s-Cross-Front-Bikini/pgeproduct.aspx?sgid=2988&SearchQuery=50%27s&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Red

http://www.asos.com/Jantzen/Jantzen-Ruched-50S-Style-Swimsuit/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1214363&SearchQuery=50%27s&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Pink

 

[sportell]

I found a cute 40s 2-piece suit I want. As I can't find anyone selling something like it at a reasonable price, I plan to make it. (Yes, Retro Vintage has some great suits. But I can't pay $150 for a bathing suit that will be used quite often.) The problem I'm having, is what the heck material did they use? I am on the search for Lastex if I can find it. But I've also read that they used cotton, rayon, knits and jersey. Well, what type of cotton? I'm guessing not cotton gauze. What would be the fabric I can easily find, that would be most similar and can hold up to chlorinated pools? Thanks for any info. I'm about figure out a pattern and would like the suit to wear in the next few weeks.

 

[Hey_Laaaaaady!]

I am having the exact same problem sportell! I want to make my own suit but I don't know how. I'm not very good with knits. I don't think cotton would be a good thing to wear in the water but I simply don't know. I'm wondering how to use a modern spandex with a vintage pattern, or if I should just drape my own pattern and go from there. But I don't sew with stretch fabrics, so I really don't know how to drape with spandex! I wish there was some help out there....anyone?

 

[Land-O-LakesGal]

I agree Sportell and HeyLaaaaaaady! I have wanted to make a vintage style me made suit but can never find suitable fabric my own favorite vintage suits have fabrics that are more like a nylon like they make mens swim trunks out of (kind of a nylon) but I have never seen fabric like this in a fabric store. Any suggestions ladies? Where do you find this type of material and does it have a name?

 

[Drappa]

There are some recent entries on Sew Retro http://sewretro.blogspot.com/ of ladies' homemade bathing suits. The last one was on June 14 and she used crimplene.

 

[Joie DeVive]

I bought one of the retro Jantzen ones from my local TJ Maxx.
I think it's this one:
at Macy's
At Swim Outlet

It looks better in person, and I only payed $25!

 

[sportell]

That one is cool. This is the one I want to make though.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39688752/1940s-swimsuit-2-piece-bathing-suit

 

[Stray Cat]

Oki-doki...
I have a question (bathing suit related):

HOW many suits does a girl need for 3 months at a seaside????

(Or: how much would you take?)
I need real numbers.. I have two pairs.. DO I NEED MORE?


Thank you ladies!

 

[Odalisque]

Oki-doki...
I have a question (bathing suit related):

HOW many suits does a girl need for 3 months at a seaside????

(Or: how much would you take?)
I need real numbers.. I have two pairs.. DO I NEED MORE?


Thank you ladies!

Hmmm- I think two is perfect for functionality. One suit to wear while the other dries.
But really, I guess you only need one. Any more is just if you want more options.
Just like I don't need 7 pair of the same heels in 7 different colors. But I like my options

I wouldn't go out and buy another suit. But if you have more and can fit them in you case, go for it.