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Vintage Dancer | 1940s Fashion | 1940s Bathing Suits History

1940s Bathing Suits History

1940s Fashion History

13 May 2016

1940s bathing suits, like many other clothing items, were also losing their modesty. The ’40s was the era when the midriff was born, and it was shown in swimsuits as well as playsuits. 1940s swimsuits were tight, unlike the suits of previous eras.

Beautiful swimsuits and ladies!

Beautiful swimsuits and ladies!

One-piece swimsuits were still popular, but the new two-piece suit had plenty of fans, too. The materials used to make swimsuits today were not invented yet, so suits were made from rayon, jersey, and rayon-jersey blends with knit cotton linings. Many suits had accent panels of a velvet-like rayon velour. Some also featured ruching on the front or side panels that were both pretty and figure flattering.

1940s swimwear bathing suit

Claudette Colbert, 1941 Maroon Two Piece Swimsuit

1940s swimwear featured stretchy control panels in the stomach made from a new type of material called lastex, and bra cups in the bust to keep the figure looking good in the revealing (by ’40s standards of course) bathing suits. Any color could be found on a swimsuit, but patriotic colors were popular as well as floral patterns and polka dots. Suits fastened with small buttons or metal zippers in the back.

Learn about men’s swimsuits here.

1941 men and women swimwear

1941 men and women swimwear

1940s One Piece Swimsuit

The one-piece swimsuit looked like a very tight, short dress. Cleavage still wasn’t shown in swimwear, so the V top was just high enough with thin straps. The bra top resembled a full-coverage bra, and the suit then extended down into a tight ‘skirt’ that would cover the backside completely. Skirts were either snug fitting around the hips and thighs or loose, called “swing skirts.”

1940s bathing suits

1940 Straight skirt and flared “swing” skirt bathing suits in a Bella Hess catalog

The back of the suit would be even with the under-bust line. Some zipped all the way up the back for full coverage, while others tied the bra top around the back, leaving a gap between the bra and the bathing suit waist. The one-piece offered plenty of shaping, and sometimes had boning in the stomach area to offer additional support. A halter top was also popular – the suit would look the same except the straps tied at the neck. A new feature of some one-pieces bared a little bit of skin – a small triangle of fabric would be cut out underneath the bust to show some skin (always above the navel).

1944 one and two piece swimsuits 1940s women at VintageDancer
1944 one and two piece swimsuits
1944 Catalina swimsuits
1944 Catalina swimsuits

1948 swimsuits
1948 swimsuits
Late 1940s swimwear

 

1940s bathing suits

Ladies at the Beach- Swimsuit on the left has a cut out in the center. Right bathing suit top is a bandeau style.

1940s swimwear

1949 Swimwear Ad

 

1940s Bikini or Two Piece Bathing Suit

The bikini was officially invented in 1946 and named after the Bikini Atoll in the south Pacific, where the U.S. performed nuclear tests. This suit was tiny, revealing the belly button and buttocks (gasp!). It was essentially a string bikini. Most public beaches banned the use of this new tiny swimsuit till the ’50s.  However, this wasn’t the style of two-piece that was usually worn in the ’40s – it was a little bit too revealing.

1940s bathing suits two piece
1947 Two Piece Print Bikini
1940s swimsuit
1947 Striped Two Piece Bathing Suit

1947 two piece swimsuits bathing suits bikini suits beachwear at VintageDancer

1947 two piece swimsuit (center,) one piece with center cutouts (R and L)

Before the bikini, women started wearing two-piece swimsuits that looked just like one-piece bathing suits cut in half. The top was a full-coverage bra top, either with two thin straps or a halter top. The bottom looked like a tight mini-skirt, starting from the waistline and covering the entire backside. Another popular style of skirt for the two-piece was a flared skirt bottom of the same length. A top that started to gain in popularity was even more revealing – a bandeau top with strings attached to the center front that tied at the neck.

1940s swimwear pinup

1940s Skirt Bikini Swimsuits

1948 yellow bikini swimsuit
1948 yellow bikini swimsuit
1945 Catalina swimsuits two peice bikini in color ad at VintageDancer
1945 Catalina swimsuits

1940s swimsuits

1946 Swimsuits- The strapless Bikini on the right, oh my!

By the late 1940s, one and two piece swimsuits were losing even more modesty. The strapless two piece was especially popular to those brave enough to wear them. By the 1950s, nearly all swimsuits were strapless. More boning and lastix was needed to keep their shape and hold the girls in place. Needless to say, vintage swimsuits of the ’40s and ’50s were hardly used for vigorous swimming. A lazy day at the beach or pool was their best use.

1940s Style Swimsuits Today

1940s vintage bathing suits can be uncomfortable compared to modern fits and fabrics. Thankfully, most reproduction swimsuits are made of modern Lycra material and refitted with modern construction techniques. The overall look is similar to the 1940s style, although I find most repro swimsuits favor the classic ’50s style instead. For a more genuine ’40s bathing suits style look, for their defining characteristics:

  • 1940s Bathing suit with a “skirt” bottom that extends all the way around. Many “skirt” suits are only skirted in the front.
  • Tops in the bandeau style, halter top, or modest bra top. Avoid strapless or anything “too revealing.”
  • Ruching – Many modern swimsuits today have rediscovered the amazing slimming effects of ruching. Most swimsuits with ruching automatically have a ’40s flair to them, AND they look great on all body types.
  • Simple patterns. Polka dots, tropical floral prints, stripes and some color blocking were all in style in the ’40s. Avoid any print that is “too busy.” 1940s bathing suit patterns were minimalist. Any print that you think is “cute” such as cherries or little animals is more of a ’50s style.
  • For a pin up worthy look, be sure to add a pair of high heel wedges or peep toes, a floppy hat, and fabulous vintage sunglasses.

1940s Style Swimsuits for Sale:

1940s Bathing Suits History Pin Up Style Black Button High Waist Sailor Swim Bottoms $48.00 AT vintagedancer.com
UniqueVintage
$48.00
1940s Bathing Suits History COCOSHIP Retro Polka Dot Twisted Front High Waisted Bikini Set Tie Belt Vintage Ruched Swimsuit(FBA) $28.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$28.99
1940s Bathing Suits History Vintage Style Black Pin-Up Romper Swimsuit $78.00 AT vintagedancer.com
UniqueVintage
$78.00
1940s Bathing Suits History Cocoship Vintage Sailor Pin Up Swimsuit One Piece Skirtini Cover Up Swimdress(FBA) $27.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$27.99
1940s Bathing Suits History Retro Style Black Gathered High Waist Skirted Swim Bottoms $48.00 AT vintagedancer.com
UniqueVintage
$48.00
1940s Bathing Suits History Vintage Style Black  White Polka Dot Pin-Up Romper Swimsuit $78.00 AT vintagedancer.com
UniqueVintage
$78.00
1940s Bathing Suits History Unique Vintage Navy  White Polka Dot Corinne Halter Sheath Swimsuit $78.00 AT vintagedancer.com
UniqueVintage
$78.00
1940s Bathing Suits History SHEKINI Womens One Piece Skirt Swimsuit Ruched Retro Swimdress Bathing Suit $39.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$39.95
1940s Bathing Suits History Vintage Style Navy Blue Bow Halter Swim Top $48.00 AT vintagedancer.com
UniqueVintage
$48.00
1940s Bathing Suits History Sailor Swimsuit $79.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$79.00
1940s Bathing Suits History 1940s Mens and Womens Beach Shorts (Trunks) and Halter Top Bathing Suit - Knit patterns PDF 1612 $3.75 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$3.75
1940s Bathing Suits History AONTUS Womens Plus Size Swimsuits Tummy Control One Piece Swim Dresses Bathing Suit $29.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$29.99
1940s Bathing Suits History Bathing Beauty- 1940s Swimsuit Swim Suit Bathing- PDF Sewing Pattern- Wearing History $9.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$9.99
1940s Bathing Suits History AONTUS Womens Plus Size Swimsuits Tummy Control One Piece Swim Dresses Bathing Suit $29.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$29.99
1940s Bathing Suits History DANIFY Womens Plus Size Swimsuits Slimming Tummy Control Swimdress Sailor Striped Skirt Swimming Suit $36.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$36.99
1940s Bathing Suits History Vintage Sewing Pattern Ladies 1940s Beach Bra and Skirt Bathing Suit #3075 - INSTANT DOWNLOAD $7.50 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$7.50
1940s Bathing Suits History COCOPEAR Womens Elegant Crossover One Piece Swimdress Floral Skirted Swimsuit(FBA) $32.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$32.99
1940s Bathing Suits History Esther Williams Vintage Inspired 1950S Black Sheath Swimsuit $88.00 AT vintagedancer.com
UniqueVintage
$88.00
1940s Bathing Suits History 1940s 40s vintage sewing pattern crop top skirt playsuit swimsuit romper cover up beach coat hoodie bust 34 Instant Download1940s 40s vintage sewing pattern crop top skirt playsuit swimsuit romper cover up beach coat hoodie bust 34 Instant Download $14.51 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$14.51
1940s Bathing Suits History SHEKINI Womens One Piece Skirt Swimsuit Ruched Retro Swimdress Bathing Suit $41.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$41.95
1940s Bathing Suits History SHEKINI Womens One Piece Skirt Swimsuit Ruched Retro Swimdress Bathing Suit $37.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$37.95
1940s Bathing Suits History JASAMBAC Womens Tummy Control Swimdress V Neck Ruched Floral One Piece Swimsuit $19.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$19.99
1940s Bathing Suits History MiYang Womens One Piece High Waist Printing Swim Dress Padded Swimwear $29.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$29.99
1940s Bathing Suits History Nautical Jetty - Nautical halterneck tankini in navy/red with shorts bottom/boy shorts two piece swimwear swimsuit $68.91 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$68.91
1940s Bathing Suits History COCOPEAR Womens Elegant Crossover One Piece Swimdress Floral Skirted Swimsuit(FBA) $32.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$32.99
1940s Bathing Suits History Unique Vintage Black Ruffle Crystal Cove Bandeau Bikini Top $34.00 AT vintagedancer.com
UniqueVintage
$34.00
1940s Bathing Suits History Anne Cole Plus Size Twist-Front Strapless One-Piece Swimsuit Womens Swimsuit $88.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Macyscom
$88.00
1940s Bathing Suits History Capriosca Wide Strap Swim Dress AUD 134.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Birdsnest
AUD 134.95
1940s Bathing Suits History Calvin Klein Liquid Wrap A-Line Tummy-Control Swimdress Womens Swimsuit $108.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Macyscom
$108.00
1940s Bathing Suits History Perf Your While Peep Toe Heel in Noir in- Mid Heel - Over 2 Minimal by Chelsea Crew from ModCloth $70.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Modcloth
$70.00
1940s Bathing Suits History Womens Slimming Control Underwire Swim Dress - Dreamsuit by Miracle Brands Black 14 $64.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Target
$64.99
1940s Bathing Suits History Calvin Klein Liquid Wrap A-Line Tummy-Control Swimdress Womens Swimsuit $108.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Macyscom
$108.00
1940s Bathing Suits History Capriosca Underwire Swim Dress AUD 132.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Birdsnest
AUD 132.00
1940s Bathing Suits History Anne Cole Plus Size Ruched Underwire Swimdress Womens Swimsuit $112.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Macyscom
$112.00
ViewMore

 

 

debbie
We are Debbie and Oscar, your guides to dressing up like decades past. We are here to help you find clothing online and learn about vintage fashions as worn by everyday people, just like you. Need help with your outfit? Ask us anytime.
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Stacy Adams Men’s Victorian Boots and Shoes »

Comments

  1. Lainey says

    February 23, 2017 at 8:10 am

    I love me a retro style swimsuit. I bought one from http://www.forluna.co.uk last year and I swear, I have never had so many compliments! Really good quality and flattering.

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