As we all know, swimsuits are a highly-charged issue. But, kids, if you’re wary, this is your year: It’s all about glam and flattering Old Hollywood looks that Marilyn — or you — would happily sport.
To paraphrase Marianne Moore, I, too, dislike it: Whether it’s a legacy of Puritanism or a surfeit of Baywatch or just too many Cathys telling us we should feel bad, it’s hard to get excited about suit-shopping. So we mix and match from J. Crew or throw on a Speedo and call it a day. But! This year is different: suddenly we have options worthy of the most glamorous old-school star, and something for almost all of us, too.
Esther Williams
The original million-dollar mermaid (who swam, glamorously, in almost all her movies including Take Me Out to the Ballgame) is the ultimate swim icon: She was glam, athletic and stylish. Best of all, she has a swimwear line inspired by the classic styles she rocked through the ’40s and ’50s, and many of the suits come in plus-sizes and flatter a range of figures.
Esther Williams
2-Piece Classic [Esther Williams]
Esther Williams
“The Marilyn Swimdress” [ Esther Williams]
Jane Russell
She rocked a two-piece like no one else: Tall and full-figured, Russell was pure glam. And let’s face it: These tummy-covering bottoms are so much more flattering!
Jane Russell-inspired:
Gentlemen Prefer Plaid Two Piece [Modcloth]
Jane Russell-inspired:
Revival Bikini [Anthropologie ]
Deborah Kerr
There are few things sexier than From Here to Eternity’s iconic beach scene, and the sleek lines of Deborah’s simple suit are ridiculously pretty. NB: these suits are also made for serious swimming.
Deborah Kerr-inspired:
Betty Retro One-Piece [Bondi Bathers]
Deborah Kerr-inspired:
Vintage Inspired Retro Halter [Popina]
Lena Horne
Just check out this amazing detailing!
Lena Horne-inspired:
Spot printed Deep V-Neck Swimsuit [Paul Smith]
Lena Horne-inspired:
Brown-Buttoned Halter [Elizabeth O’Brien Berg]
Ava Gardner
The picture of summer glam: the prints are so fun!
Ava Gardner-inspired:
Beach Blanket Bingo One Piece [Modcloth]
Ava Gardner-inspired:
Green Plaid One-Piece [Elizabeth O’Brien Berg]
Now, on the subject of actual vintage suits, people are divided. Some people find the idea gross. I love them — although they dry so slowly that I generally wear them under a pair of shorts or a wrap skirt. (Also, if the molded boob cups are too big, they fill up with water in a very weird way.) BabyGirl Boutique has an excellent selection, as does eBay.
I’ll admit that I’m not much of a swimmer — I’m more of a lounger. And if you’re doing a vintagey suit, the rest is easy: wedges, sarongs, hats are all cheap. (If you want more coverage in the water, Popina does a nifty little skirt that matches their styles.) And for once, I’m actually excited to suit up. Please, if you have more sources, do let us know!
GET JEZEBEL RIGHT IN YOUR INBOX
Still here. Still without airbrushing. Still with teeth.
