Catalina Swimsuit
1960s American Swimwear
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1950s Swimwear
1940s American Swimwear
People Also Browsed
1930s Unknown Jackets
Early 2000s Italian Shoes
1950s American Swimwear
1950s Bras
20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
Early 2000s French Pencil Skirts
1970s American Evening Gowns
1990s French Coats and Outerwear
1980s American Evening Gowns
Early 2000s British Cocktail Dresses
1930s French Coats and Outerwear
1980s Italian Jumpsuits
1990s French Shift Cocktail Dresses
2010s French Skirt Suits
21st Century and Contemporary American Jackets
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
Finding the Right Swimwear for You
From Esther Williams’s glamorous one-piece wonders to Brigitte Bardot’s bombshell bikini on the beaches of Cannes, swimwear has made headlines and raised eyebrows for years. After all, who doesn’t want to wear alluring vintage or designer swimwear for a trip to the beach or poolside relaxation?
Design, style and the amount of skin shown have all made news when it comes to swimwear. While in the 19th century women often sported skirts over bloomers when they visited the shore, by the early 20th century, many were wearing sleek Jantzen suits that would influence the swimsuits women wear today.
By the mid-century, cutouts and two-piece suits were pushing the boundaries of swimwear, with designer Rudi Gernreich debuting the daring topless monokini in 1964. In the 1970s, legendary designers such as Halston were applying an evening-wear aesthetic to swimwear, adding plunging necklines, ruching and even beadwork. Maillots and bikinis began to feature strapless designs.
Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Elsa Schiaparelli and Versace are among the designers who have left their mark in the swimwear world with bold prints and cuts as well as a wide range of dazzling embellishments.
Today, swimsuits are crafted with both function and style in mind for swimming, lounging and making a statement in and out of the water. Browse an extensive collection of vintage and designer swimwear on 1stDibs.
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