Vintage Swimwear is Making a Comeback
As the end of the spring semester approaches and the temperature is on the rise, our swimsuits are finding their way out of hibernation. Most of the swim styles we see today have grown (or rather have shrunken) to be a bit more revealing than the popular styles back in the day. However, many are still reminiscent of the styles that once graced the pools and beaches throughout the 20th century. Styles come and go from season to season, but the classics never seem to fade.
As you may have noticed, high-waisted bikini bottoms have become increasingly popular over the past few years. From the wildly popular high-waisted leggings and jeans to high-waisted shorts and skirts, high-waisted bikini bottoms fit right in with today’s trends. However, if you think this is something entirely new, well, I’ve got news. High-waisted bikini bottoms took off in the 1950s and were popular until the late 1970s (Conway); they could be seen just about everywhere as everyday women and celebrities alike flaunted this style. This remains true, but instead of Marilyn Monroe, we now see Taylor Swift in the clearly timeless look. It is not a mystery as to why high-waisted bikini styles came back, after all, this subdued look flatters just about anyone who is willing to try it out.
As well as high-waisted bikini bottoms, there is a new staple in many people’s swimwear collections: the one piece. Seen and sold in countless stores, the one piece is experiencing a revival. While one pieces have been around for quite a bit, they haven’t always looked like the one piece suits we see today. The tight-fitting, high-cut looks we typically see draw heavily upon 80s trends. You might be familiar with the bold high v-cut workout leotards from the 80s, but today’s swimwear is more directly inspired by the Baywatch-esque suits that caught on during this time. Pamela Anderson’s classic red swimsuit has lived on well past the end of her Malibu lifeguarding days on the hit show Baywatch.
So while some swimsuit styles remain in the past...
...others are welcomed back with open arms.
The new trends we are obsessed with today are likely to make a comeback down the road. I don’t recommend that you hold on to every swimsuit you own with the hope that they’ll be in style again; however, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of our current favorite swim fashion reappeared as popular vintage looks later in our lifetimes.