I’m going to call it: this is the summer of the retro bathing suit. Everywhere you look are adorable high-waisted bottoms, sailor inspired one-pieces, floppy hats and patterned scarves. It’s only June and already it feels like 1950s pin-up girls have invaded all the beaches. But don’t worry – there are plenty of cute retro looks to go around, and here at Booktrib we’ve rounded up some of the best. Check out these 10 adorable vintage bathing suits to kick off your summer right:
Fire-engine red is a great retro color, especially when used in a classy one-piece with a timeless silhouette. I can picture Rita Hayworth lounging on the beach in a suit just like this one.
This bathing suit gives new meaning to the term “yellow polka dot bikini.” Love the high waist, the color blocking and the subtle touches of bows!
Gingham is such a classic vintage fabric, and it’s perfect in a high-waisted pink bikini. You’d be the cutest picnic table around in this suit.
Nothing beats a classy black one-piece. The retro details – ruched fabric, a longer silhouette – only make this suit classier.
This harlequin pattern is so unique, and the stark black-and-white fabric adds a touch of glam to the 1950s cut of this bikini.
Nautical prints always scream retro-cool, and this blue and white striped suit is no exception. Love the unusual layout of the pattern and the bold splashes of red!
Speaking of nautical, here’s another sailor-inspired look, this time in a one-piece. The suit itself is relatively simple, but the retro styling takes it to another level – proving that sometimes simpler is best when it comes to your swimwear.
There’s something so glamorous about an all-white suit, and this cleverly designed one-piece is particularly lovely. It shows just enough skin, but still manages to stay classy with its wrap front and highly cut bottom.
Ruffles, a cute retro print, high-waisted bottoms, and a bandeau style top – what more could a vintage-lover ask for?
This skirted style is not your grandmother’s bathing suit. A cute – but still sexy – way to cover up while looking retro-hot.
Need more vintage bathing suit inspiration? Check out Vintage Swimwear: Historical Patterns and Techniques by Jill Salen. Or pick up Resort Fashion: Style in Sun-Drenched Climates by Caroline Rennolds Milbank and Amy Fine Collins, and learn about how designers like Chanel and Rodarte incorporated tropical culture into their famous 
collections. Read these books or buy these suits, and pretty soon you’ll find yourself lounging on a beach in a polka-dotted bikini, long white scarf fluttering in the wind, margarita in one hand, giant sun hat in another. Personally, I can’t think of a better way to spend the summer.
What do you think of the retro bathing suit craze? Over the top, or vintage fun? Let us know in the comments!
