Swing Dancing, especially Lindy Hop or any upbeat swing dance of the 1940s and 1950s requires loose, comfortable clothing to dance in. Women of the past didn’t wear special swing dance dresses they already wore them on a daily basis. A free-flowing skirt attached to a form-fitting bodice and roomy sleeves made swing dancing a breeze. For practice, women also wore wide leg pants and sometimes high waisted shorts. An a-line skirt and blouse was a vintage casual pairing as well.
Today swing dancers love to wear vintage or vintage inspired swing dresses, skirts and pants for dancing. Not only do I find vintage style dresses more comfortable to dance in than modern clothing but they also they are more fun. Do a swing out or spin and watch your skirt twirl! There is nothing quite like wearing vintage style clothing (and dance shoes) while vintage dancing : )
To help you find your perfect swing outfit I pulled together these vintage inspired dresses from a few of my favorite online shops:
Swing Dance Dresses & Clothing
Wedtrend Womens 1950s Retro Rockabilly Dress Cap Sleeve Vintage Swing Dress
$29.99
Judy Blouse in Cream by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury | Authentic Vintage 1940s Style
$51.56
The Cambridge Pant in M - Wide Pant
$59.00
ModCloth x Collectif Cherished Era Shirt Dress in 4 UK - Short Sleeve A-line Knee Length by Collectif from ModCloth
$99.00
Chosen Polo Short Sleeve Sweater in 2X - Regular by ModCloth
$39.99
Just This Sway A-Line Skirt in S - Full Skirt Mid by ModCloth
$59.00
Voodoo Vixen 1940S Style Brown Wide Leg Pleated Suspender Trousers
$78.00
1940S Navy High Waist Crepe Full Moon Sailor Pants
$68.00
Collectif 1940S Style Navy High Waist Glinda Suspender Pants
$58.00
MUXXN Womens Retro 1950s Style Short Sleeve Formal Mermaid
$32.99
Wellwits Womens Gold Patchwork Tie Neck Formal 1940s 50s Vintage Dress
$25.98
LUNAJANY Womens Rockabilly Vintage Polka Dot Pin up Swing Cocktail Party Dress
$24.59
Destinas Womens Vintage Style Retro 1940s Shirtwaist Flared Tea Dress
$24.99
GownTown Womens 1950s Vintage Cap Sleeve Plaid Swing Dress with Pockets
$38.98
Vintage Wide Leg Pants
$42.95
GownTown Womens 1950s Vintage 3/4 Sleeves A-Line Dress
$36.98
Hell Bunny Irvine Tartan 1950s Vintage Retro Dress XS-4XL
$72.99
ACEVOG Womens Classy Vintage Audrey Hepburn Style 1940s Rockabilly Evening Dress
$19.99
Megan Dress - Carriage House
$108.00
BoatNeck Sleeveless Vintage Tea Dress with Belt
$30.99
DELUXSEY Silhouette-Lengthening High Waist Wide Leg Pants Palazzo Pants 4 Women
$34.99
Great Gatsby dress in dark blue and off-white 1920 party dress blue flapper dress navy Gatsby dress Miss Fisher dress robe années 20 LaVieDelight
$135.00
ANGVNS Womens Vintage High Waist Button Down Pleated Swing Skirt
$18.99
GownTown Womens 1950s Polka Dot Vintage Dresses Audrey Hepburn Style Party Dresses
$35.98
Unique Vintage 1950S Emerald Green Delores Swing Dress With Sleeves
$88.00
1940S Style Royal Blue Crepe White Embroidered Floral Ava Swing Dress
$78.00
Smiffys World War 2 Pin Up Spice Darling
ACEVOG Women Vintage Style Turn Down Collar Short Sleeve High Waist Maxi Swing Dress with Belt
$38.99
Wellwits Womens Keyhole Bow Tie Front 1940s Vintage Collared Dress
$23.99
Milumia Womens Plus Size Round Neck Long Lantern Sleeve Belted Pencil Dress
$39.88
Belle Poque Womens Retro Sailor Dress Short Sleeve Cocktail Party Swing Dress
$29.99
New Yellow Floral Wartime WW2 1930s 1940s Vintage style Swing Tea Dress
$19.99
GownTown Womens 1950s Cape Collar Vintage Swing Stretchy Dresses
$35.99
Changuan Extra Large Womens Faux Fur Collar Shawl Scarf Wrap Evening Wedding Cape for Winter Coat
Choies Womens High Waist A-line Flared Long Skirt Winter Fall Midi Skirt
$33.99
GownTown Womens 1950s Retro Vintage V-Neck Party Swing Dress
$35.98
Audrey Hepburn Style 1940s Rockabilly Evening Dress
$32.99
Wellwits Womens 1/2 Half Sleeves Sailor Tie Neck 1940s Retro Vintage Dress
$24.98
Nemidor Womens V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Dress
$29.99
Hell Bunny 1950S Style Orange Green Plaid Oktober Swing Dress
$102.00
New Ladies Royal Blue WWII 1930s/40s Vtg style Wartime Victory Tea Dress
$28.99
Voodoo Vixen Retro Vintage Lola Plaid Faux Fur Collar 3/4 Sleeve Swing Dress
$81.95
1940s Retro Misses Blouse Skirt Pants Lined Jacket Sizes 10-12-14-16-18
$6.95
The Cambridge Pant in 3X - Wide Pant
$19.97
40s Vintage Inspired Nancy Dress in Solid Red print by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury
£79.00
1940s/50s Authentic Vintage Inspired Button Up Tie Down Blouse in Cream
£39.00
Smiffys Womens Army Girl Dress Costume
1940s Swing Trousers - Red
£65.00
Marycrafts Womens Formal Office Business Work Jacket Skirt Suit Set
$46.90
Cherished Era Checkered Shirt Dress in 6 UK - Short Sleeve Midi by Collectif from ModCloth
$99.00
Womens 1950s Vintage Cap Sleeve V Neck Plaid Swing Dress with Pockets
$23.99
1940s Vintage Collared Dress
$29.99
Womens 50s pinup design sexy black tops sweetheart short sleeves vintage style
$19.71
Caracilia Womens Faux Fur Coat Wedding Cloak Cape Shawl for Evening Party
GownTown Womens 1950s Cape Collar Vintage Swing Stretchy Dresses
$35.99
Kate Kasin Womens Wear to Work Stretchy Pencil Skirts
$16.79
Yarn & Ink Womens 1950s Vintage Dress Cocktail Party Dress with Short Sleeves with Two Pockets
$39.99
GownTown Striped Short Sleeve Dresses Swing Stretchy Dresses
$38.98
40s Marlene Trousers in Black
£42.55
Vintage Wide Leg Pants
$42.95
KIRA Womens Elastic High Waist A-line Flared Maxi Skirt…
$35.99
CURLBIUTY Women High Waist Wide Leg Pants Casual Button Down Palazzo Trouser
$23.79
Womens Adult 1940s 40s Wartime Dress Fancy Dress Costume WWII World War Two Military Outfit Green
£19.99
Maggie Tang Vintage Elegant Swing Coat Rockabilly Tunic Classical Party Dress
$69.99
ACEVOG Women Bow Tie Neck Chiffon Blouses Long Sleeve Patchwork Casual Button Shirts
$26.99
1940s Authentic Vintage Inspired Dorothy Dress in 40s Red
£79.00
Unique Vintage Black High Waist Wide Leg Rochelle Suspender Pants
$64.00
40s Valencia Swing Dress in Deep Red
£70.69
Voodoo Vixen Marlene Dungarees Jumpsuit Blue
£51.99
Housewife Costume
$23.27
Zeagoo Women Casual Superline Wide Flare Leg High Waist Zipper Solid Long Pants
$25.99
Dreamgirl Womens All Aboard Costume
$49.55
YSJ Womens High Waist A-Line Pleated Solid Vintage Swing Maxi Skirts Midi Skirt Party
$31.99
Wellwits Womens Stripes Button up Shirt Lapel Vintage Career Dress
$21.98
Womens Voodoo Vixen JOLENE Nautical Stripped Wide Leg Jumpsuit Navy
$73.95
ETOSELL Lady Bowknot Baby Collar Long Sleeve OL Chiffon Button Shirt White
$15.99
Wellwits Womens Plaid High Waist Lapel Blazer Vintage Career Dress
$22.98
Faux Wrap Skirt
$31.99
Unique Vintage Plus Size 1930S Black White Pin Stripe Thelma Suspender Pants
$98.00
Stop Staring Plus Size Mad Style Eggplant Cap Sleeve Swing Dress
$178.00
ETCYY Womens Vintage Geometric Thicken Suede Zip Up Midi Plaid Skirts
$29.89
Chiffon Button Shirt White
$14.99
Greta Blouse in Cream by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury | Authentic Vintage 1940s Style
$51.56
eShakti Womens Quincy Dress
$49.95
Unique Vintage 1950S Style Red Plaid Brooklyn Shirtdress
$98.00
40s Long Sleeve Shirt Blouse - 30s Green
£65.00
30s Sailor Pants - Airforce Blue
£75.00
Alexanders Costumes Bathing Suit Female
Sportswear 1940s and 1950s
$24.32
40s Style Fairisle Tank Top - Shetland Brown
£69.00
Cocoship Vintage Sailor Pin Up Swimsuit One Piece Skirtini Cover Up Swimdress(FBA)
$27.99
DRESSTELLS 50s Retro Halter Rockabilly Bridesmaid Audrey Dress Cocktail Dress
$26.99
Banned 1940s 1950s Retro Vintage Dogtooth Wide Leg High Waist Slacks Trousers
£29.99
YSJ Womens Wool Midi Skirt A-Line Pleated Vintage Plaid Winter Swing Skirts
Wellwits Womens 3/4 Sleeves Striped Button Shirt Lapel Vintage Career Dress
$22.98
Black Taffeta Holiday Skirt Extra Extra Large
$69.95
Unique Vintage 1950S Burgundy Red Delores Swing Dress With Sleeves
$88.00
Nihsatin Womens Audrey Hepburn Vintage Style Rockabilly Swing Dress
$29.99
GownTown Womens 1950s Cape Collar Vintage Swing Stretchy Dresses
$35.99
Sidnor Womens Officer Margaret/Peggy Carter Dress Cosplay Costume Uniform Suit
$115.00
YEMAK Womens Daily 1/2 Sleeve Slim-Fit Pullover Sweater Vintage Inspired MK3664 (S-L)
$19.50
Kate Kasin Womens A-Line Vintage Skirt Grid Pattern Plaid KK633/KK495
$22.99
GownTown 1950s Vintage Short Sleeve Rockabilly Swing Dress
$36.98
Smiffys WW2 Sweet Heart Costume
Verdusa Womens Short Sleeve Button Front Belted Solid Midi Dress
$26.99
Set About Your Work Short Sleeve Dress in 3X - Shirt Dress Knee Length
$99.00
GRACE KARIN Womens Elastic Waist Vintage A-Line Pleated Flared Plaid Skirt
$16.99
Jive Blouse in 40s Red by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury | Authentic Vintage 1940s Style
$51.56
Hardworking Lady Costume
$49.99
ACEVOG Womens Bow Tie Neck Long/Short Sleeve Casual Office Work Chiffon Blouse Shirts Tops
$29.99
Vintage Off White Button Up Cap Sleeve Blouse
$48.00
Wellwits Womens Blazer Collar Sailor Stripe Halloween Vintage Office Dress
$23.98
FLORIA Womens Soft Basic Crew Neck Pullover Short Sleeve Knit Sweater (S-XL)
$21.99
Wellwits Womens Vintage Pin Up Sailor Collar Halter Swing Dress
$23.98
Seamstress Of Bloomsbury 1940s Crepe de Chine Judy Blouse
$49.95
Wellwits Womens Sailor Navy Yellow Halloween Princess Vintage Shirt Dress
$22.98
chouyatou Womans Vintage High Waist Front Button Long Skirt with Pockets
$39.90
Dressever Womens Vintage A-line Printed Pleated Flared Midi Skirts
$19.99
Danis Choice Elastic Waist A-line Flared Long Skirt
1940s Vintage Inspired Vintage Green Audrey Trousers by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury
£49.00
1910S-1940s RIDING BREECHES OR JODHPURS
$15.95
GownTown Womens 1950s Polka Dot Vintage Dresses Audrey Hepburn Style Party Dresses
$35.98
NAVY blue SAILOR PANTS high waist navy blue 1940s style swing pants
$96.33
Denim Banned Party On Trousers - 26 to 34 Inch Waist
$33.82
Haicoo Vintage High Waist Floral Womens Bikini Set Strappy Push Up Bathing Suit
$18.99
1940s Style Pants
$38.95
1940S Dress Pattern Size: R5 (14-16-18-20-22) 8050
$3.73
Cable Stitch Cardigan
$24.99
Alex Evenings Womens Velvet Blouse Top (Multiple Styles Petite and Regular Sizes)
$119.00
YSJERA Womens Wool Midi Skirt A-Line Pleated Vintage Plaid Winter Swing Skirts
$25.99
Men Women Winter Warm Faux Fox Raccoon Fur Collar Stole Long Scarf Shawl
$25.99
50s Athena Dolman Swing Dress in Dark Green
£91.59
1940s Authentic Vintage Inspired Jive Blouse in Cream
£39.00
Wellwits Womens Vintage Pin Up A Line Stripes Sailor Dress
$23.98
LilySilk Womens 100 Silk Blouse Long Sleeve Lady Shirt 22 Momme Pure Charmeuse Silk
$69.99
The Seamstress of Bloomsbury 1940s Authentic Vintage Inspired Peggy Wrap Dress in Green Doggy by (UK 16) (UK 16) (UK 10)
£79.00
YEMAK Womens 3/4 Sleeve Crewneck Lightweight Basic Casual Knit Pullover Sweater
$17.95
Simplicity 8243 Misses 1940s Vintage Sportswear Blouse Hip Length Vest & Pleated Trousers Sewing Pattern Size 6-14 or 16 - 24/ Uncut FF
$7.95
Olivia 2pc Suit in Wine by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury | 1940s Authentic Vintage Inspired Clothing
$170.35
Chelsa-war time dress in the style of the 40iger years plus size
$176.76
40s Judith Houndstooth Swing Dress in Khaki Green
£95.01
T-Crossworld Womens Vintage Flared High Waist A Line Pleated Midi Skirt with Pockets
$24.99
Floral Star 40s Dress - BLUEWHITE 20
£50.00
1943 Dress Pattern by EvaDress - A 1940s Favorite!
$15.00
RH1035 — 1910s-1940s Ladies’ Knickerbockers or Plus Fours
$17.95
1940s Authentic Vintage Inspired Dorothy Dress in Black
£79.00
Pretty as a Bow Pullover Sweater in 1X - Long Mid by ModCloth
$59.00
ZLYC Women Fine Knit Open Front Faux Fur Trim Layers Poncho Cape Cardigan Sweater
$49.99
Bridesmay Womens Vintage Pleated Skirt Floral Printed A-line Swing Skirt with Pockets
$18.99
Hell Bunny Carpenter Denim Jeans 40s 50s Vintage Retro Rockabilly Trousers Pants
$52.99
Forever 21 Chiffon Puff-Sleeve Shirt Cream
$22.00
The Cambridge Pant in 3X - Wide Pant
$19.97
1940s Vintage Grace Blouse in Powder Blue by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury
£39.00
Zeagoo Womens Casual Superline Wide Flare Leg High Waist Zipper Solid Long Pants
$27.99
Basic Plain Full Circle Midi Skirt
$30.00
Hell Bunny Marina Blue Halter Anchor Dress Nautical pin-up Plus Size
$69.99
Josie 2pc Suit in Wine by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury | 1940s Authentic Vintage Inspired Clothing
$170.35
YEMAK Daisy Flower Embroidered Cute Pullover Sweater Vintage Inspired MK3664EMBO(S-L)
$21.50
Crochet-Trim Collar Dickey
$7.99
30s 40s brown chalk stripe MARLENE TROUSERS wool cashmere garconne 1930 1940
$261.63
Kate Kasin Womens A-Line Vintage Skirt Grid Pattern Plaid KK633/ KK495
$21.99
Banned Apparel - Fresh Water Shirt
$42.66
1940s Authentic Vintage Inspired Bonnie Blouse with Long Sleeve in Cream by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury
£39.00
Ladies WW2 Army Officer Costume
$34.94
1940s Authentic Vintage Tie-Blouse in Crepe De Chine by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury
£39.00
Miss Candyfloss Plus Size Plaid Krissy Swing Dress
$122.00
Unique Vintage Retro Style Grey Black Windowpane High Waist Vivien Swing Skirt
$58.00
Wellwits Womens 3/4 Sleeves Wrap Sailor Stripe Cotton Vintage Career Dress
$24.98
50s Oktober Tartan Swing Dress in Orange
£64.71
GownTown Womens 1950s Vintage Cap Sleeve Plaid Swing Dress with Pockets
$38.98
1940s Authentic Vintage Inspired Jive Blouse in Navy Spot
£39.00
Double Plus Open DPO Womens Button Down Long Sleeve Printed Shirt Tailored Blouse
New Green Red Floral Wartime WW2 Victory 1940s Vintage style Tea Dress
$26.99
Ladies reproduction 1940s suits
$363.56
Banned Party On Trousers - 26 to 34 Inch Waist
$34.49
40s Classic Hibiscus Flowers Jumpsuit in Montana Dust
£70.27
Kate Kasin Womens Wear to Work Stretchy Pencil Skirts
$16.99
Marycrafts Womens Formal Office Business Work Jacket Skirt Suit Set
$46.90
Victorian Vintage Bathing Costume Pattern
$19.95
Unique Vintage 1950S Dark Green Baltimore Swing Dress
$88.00
MAGGIE MAY Nautical Jumpsuit Navy
$72.99
Danis Choice Everyday High Waist A-line Flared Skater Midi Skirt
$19.95
Womens Voodoo Vixen DAISY Nautical Shorts Navy
$48.95
LilySilk Womens Charmeuse Silk Blouse Deep V Neck Top 22 Momme Soft Work Ladies Shirt
$99.99
Banned 1940s 1950s Retro Vintage Dogtooth Wide Leg High Waist Slacks Trousers
£29.99
Wellwits Womens Long Sleeves Polka Dots Button Down Vintage Shirt Dress
$21.98
Womens Reformation Matin Ruched Neck Midi Dress
$248.00
oxiuly Womens Vintage Patchwork Pockets Puffy Swing Casual Party Dress OX165
$49.00
Romane-Bo Retro Swing-Dress
$129.00
Unique Vintage 1940S Style Cream Black Dotted Ivy Suit Dress
$59.99
Helen Blouse in Cream (Black Ric-Rac) by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury | Authentic Vintage 1940s Style
$51.56
Hell Bunny Birdy 40s 50s Pin up Landgirl WW2 Retro Vintage Style Blouse
£21.99
1940S Style Cream Crepe Cap Sleeve Button Up Blouse
$42.00
Tanming Womens Winter Warm Elastic Waist Wool Plaid A-Line Pleated Long Skirt
$34.99
Coca-Cola Collection By Unique Vintage 1950S Black Red Fizzy Swing Diner Dress
$118.00
Companion Navy Blue Floral Print Button-Up Top - Lulus
$34.00
Hearts & Roses Diablo Swing Dress (Shipped from The US and US Sizes)
$64.88
1940s Vintage Grace Blouse in Black by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury
£39.00
40s Eva Blouse in Cream Crêpe
£47.10
Unique Vintage 1950S Dark Green White Polka Dot Goldie Swing Dress
$78.00
Judyann Billiot says
Love the style of dresses
Katrina-Edelweiss Patterns says
Wow, that is a wonderful list of resources. Makes me inspired to go sew up a swing dress myself!
Happy dancing,
Katrina