Vintage Catalina
1960s American Swimwear
People Also Browsed
1970s Twin Sets
1970s French Blouses
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1960s Short Suits
1960s American Boots
1990s French Blouses
1990s Italian Jackets
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
1980s Italian Pullovers
Early 2000s French Blouses
1990s French Evening Gowns
1990s French Bikinis
1990s Italian Swimwear
1990s British Corsets
1990s Italian Wide Leg Pants
1990s Italian Skirts
Recent Sales
1940s American Swimwear
1950s American Swimwear
1950s Swimwear
1970s American Kaftans
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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