'50s Swimsuit Trend for 2008

Gone is the Bridget Jones, big-knicker negative connotation, and in comes fashionable and flirty, full-coverage ‘50s-style swimwear; good news for women everywhere who want to look glamorous yet demure. Suddenly big-bottomed and high-waisted bikinis are in vogue again; an elegant non-skimpy swimsuit is this year’s top beach look.

According to the Telegraph, "Celebrating Sturdy Swimwear" of 15 June, 2008, even the New York Times has picked up on the trend, suggesting that the popularity of these bathing suits have something to do with the current credit crunch, that the desire to show off more flesh is somehow connected to a stronger economy.

The reason, quite simply, however, may be an interest in the revival of everything vintage, those glamorous days when women dressed like real women – stylish and chic, and men wore the pants (literally).

Period Glamor

There is nothing wrong with a dollop of period glamour, and floating back to the fifties represents a time when women where as curvaceous as Marilyn Munro. Given the current controversy regarding the size zero figure (too thin to be healthy?) more amply-proportioned women of the world want to show off their curves. There is no doubt that curves are much sexier than a boyish figure, especially when it comes to swimwear. If you are fortunate enough to have an hour-glass glass silhouette, then somehow it looks even more appealing in a full coverage, vintage-inspired suit, then daring to bare all your flesh.

What to Buy

If you feel the allure of a ‘50s-style swimsuit then there is no shortage of choice this year. From budget buys to break-the-bank designer labels, this swimsuit season is mad for 1950s-inspired designs. From Top Shop to Toast, John Galliano to Stella McCartney and Prada to Primark, there is a vintage-inspired swimsuit for every size, shape and age.

If you are more mature in years then leave the ‘50s-style ruffles and polka dots to the younger set, if you can’t have fun with fashion in your ‘20s then when can you? However, if you are feeling young at heart then there is nothing wrong with a simple frill around the hips, as this works well in disguising thighs.

Fifties-style two pieces include high-waisted shorts, skirted-briefs and sturdy halter-necks. One-pieces offer great coverage with paneled designs or low-cut legs. If you are heavily-built around the waist and thighs then avoid overtly frilly and fringed-styles that draw attention to your hips. Go for a high-leg swimsuit if you are short, as a low-cut leg can make you look dumpy. These retro-inspired swimsuits are good news for big-busted women, as mosts of the styles offer ample support.

Looking great in ‘50s inspired beachwear is all down to choosing the right cut and design. Don’t just wear one because its fashionable, take time to find the cut and print which is most flattering for your silhouette.

If you want your swimsuit to be an investment then go for a simple design, perhaps with paneling, and no overdone embellishments. A simply cut, dark, single block color or unfussy print is likely to be more versatile and ageless than a frilly number. Whilst the '50s swimwear revival began back in 2006 (with Sienna Miller pictured holidaying in the South of France in a Stella McCartney retro –style swimsuit) there is no telling how long it will last. Consider choosing a durable but mid-priced label, rather than breaking the bank.

Where to Buy

Glamorous high-end designer labels include Chloé, with a simple, black cut out ‘50s-style (£265), or Michael Kors low-cut leg with chain detail (£315) both available from Net-A-Porter. High-street labels like Top Shop have an affordable Pinspot one-piece at £28 and Beyond Retro has a Munroe style vintage red swimsuit, a bargain at only £12, or a yellow toweling full-brief bikini at £15.

If you are looking for a suit that offers tummy control then Miraclesuit Haute Persuit Camilla (from Figleaves.com), ticks all the right retro-look boxes and makes you look 10 pounds lighter too.

For a really retro look then nothing beats the flamingo stretch silk swimsuit from Abaeté ($365) from Abaete.com, complete with paneling, side ruching and floral décolletage.

Alternatively you can go for your own slice of history and buy authentic vintage from one of the many specialist online stores.

In Favor of the ‘50s Swimsuit

Finally investing in a ‘50s-style swimsuit gives you the added security that you can swim to your hearts content without fear of over exposure. Apart from the obvious advantages of covering up any lumps and bumps around your waist and hips, you are safe in the knowledge that you are not likely to encounter any embarrassing moments when your itsy-bitsy swimsuit comes undone, splashing about in the waves or playing ball games on the beach.

Any the end of the day, any swimwear that makes you look (and feel) like a ‘50s pin up can’t be all bad!

Fifties-style Swimsuit

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