I am in dire need of a new swimsuit.
My last one was bought in a fit of panic a few years back and is not only boring, but also not a great fit. I’m not a gym bunny, and neither am I planning any exciting holidays, but it would be nice to think that if I were to suddenly receive an invitation to go and drink champagne in a hot tub I’d have something suitable to fling in my bag as I ran out of the door.
In years gone by I’ve spent ages examining those “fix your figure flaws with swimwear” articles and I’m not going to write one of those. Personally I’m firmly of the belief that once you get down to what, essentially, is your pants, no amount of careful selection of bold floral prints and plunging necklines is going to convince anyone of your burgeoning career as a swimsuit model. All you can do is make sure it fits, and make sure that your swimsuit is amazing enough to detract attention from any (real or imagined) figure flaws.
I have a very long body, meaning all in one suits go “trampoliney” at the back. I’m also not exactly a fan of running around in public wearing 2 bits of string and a couple of napkins, so I find myself quite drawn to the best of both worlds provided by those high waisted 40s and 50 style costumes.
I have 4 on my wish list, that I’ve listed here in order from “reasonably priced” to “order a size smaller because you won’t be able to afford to eat once you’ve bought it.”
Double Cutie Swim Suit – £40 – Lady K Loves
Cute high waisted and low legged bikini with a tie back bra and ruching on the bust. It comes in plain black as well as candy stripes for the retiring wall flowers among you. I suspect not amazingly supportive on the bust, but it’s not like I was planning to run anywhere.
Red Retro Bikini – £55 – For Luna
This one has skirted bottoms and comes complete with foam cups “for support and definition” and tummy control, for controlling ones tummy, presumably. Apparently works for A-E cups, but is sold by dress size.
Sailor Bikini – £64 – What Katie Did
No one will notice the size of your thighs in this one, they’ll be too busy saying “Wow, look at that amazing swimsuit!”. The top fastens with ties and it has skirted bottoms. Plus it’s nautical chic. Isn’t that in every summer?
Plissee Bikini – € 229 – Mama Maria
I like the style of this, the top looks sturdy and the ruching on the bottoms is nice, but, *gulps* at nearly £200 I really don’t think it’s worth investing in case of fictional hot tub invites.
Can you suggest anywhere for reasonably priced natty retro swimwear?
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{ 17 comments }
These are so cute- I want you to get all of them. Too bad they’re not free
I say that many times in my life!
Have you looked at Modcloth? Most of their beach wear is pretty retro. There’s a lot of one pieces, but some really sweet two pieces as well.
Yes, but they’re fairly pricey too!
$90 + about $21 postage and any customs charges
I’d rather buy from the UK or Europe as it’s less airmiles per purchase!
Love the For Luna bikini.
It’s lurvely isn’t it!
I vote for the Luna one, too; the best balance of cost, style and hopefully fit (the cups on the other two reasonably-priced ones look like they may rise up!)
That said, the Lady K Loves is adorable, and with the addition of a little clear elastic on the lower edge of the bra, might stay in place pretty well. It’s all down to bust size and how they fit IRL, sigh..!
So cute! I love the first one.
My swimsuits are boring. I only have two, because I don’t go swimming often enough to justify more. I have to buy my suits by bra size, so they can get on the expensive side (at least when you take into account how often they’re used!). I have a red one-piece and a blank tankini – I just buy new bottoms for the tankini once in a while so it feels “new” to me
I actually have an amazing swimsuit I keep meaning to photo and list. It’s by Slix, not sure if actual Fifties or a later in-the-style-of, in a strange black rustly fabric. It is basically smocked in all directions, hard to explain, has a very low back (hopefully both those things might mean no trampolining effect) and ribbon ties which mean it’s adjustable.
Next time I find it in my many piles, I will definitely photograph and show you what I mean!
Im always looking for a good bra style bikini top, all those tie behind the neck ones are just plain uncomfortable after a couple of hours.
These are great! Any one pieces or anything I can find in the states? I am about to go on vacation in a week and I’m looking for a new swimsuit
have you tried la senza, they have some retro style bikinis at good prices…
Wow, those are great. I vote for the first one.
nice swimsuit…perfect for my planned summer getaway next month
I’m glad you like the bikini, (we’re all waiting to be wished away to wear ours….)! The top has elastic in both the top and bottom seam to make sure it stays in place! (Heaven forbid you make an elegant dive into the pool just to surface minus your top, or get carried away with beach volley ball….) And as Retro Chick mentioned in a previous post, we offer bespoke, so if you’re one of those incredibly lucky people with a tiny waist and sizeable bust, we can make one just for you!
LKL x
I recently posted about retro swimwear! In fact it seems to be blog theme of the moment – several of the blogs I follow have had swimwear posts recently too.
I like the candy stripe bikini.
*GASP* I love love love that black and white Plissee bikini!! Great choices all around but that one got me real excited!