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Mother to C, 4, and K, 1. Wife to Yubo. Writer. Bibliophile. Novice crafter. I am one of the co-founders and a contributing editor for Kimchi Mamas...
 
 
 
 

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Will Retro Swimsuits Get Me Back in the Pool?

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Every year I hem and haw and try to put off the inevitable, uncomfortable feat of squeezing my nearly ten-year-old bikini. I did buy another suit about five years ago, only to forget it at a hotel after wearing it only once. This year, however, I've finally made it back to my pre-baby weight (though definitely not my pre-baby body, but that's okay...peace has been made.), my husband and I are celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary and I think I'm going to buy a new swimsuit. Maybe buying a new suit (particularly one that actually fits) might make me comfortable enough to actually visit the pool or the beach or even teach my three-year-old how to swim.

In previous years, I would go through the process of shopping for a new swimsuit, only to be turned off by the styles available. Even before the various lumps and bumps that mark my body as mother, I've simply never been comfortable baring my body to the world. I find myself spending all my energy on wishing I had something, anything to cover up just a little bit more of myself rather than actually enjoying the water and sun. Even that old bikini consisted of a mini skirt-like bottom piece, offering a bit more coverage than the typical triangle and thong combo that seems so prevalant. Now with my new and improved tummy, I definitely need a one-piece. 

Luckily for me, retro styles are in and I've got plenty to choose from:

Victoria's Secret

Victoria's Secret vintage-inspired swimdress is not only undeniably sexy (of course), but is also (supposedly) slimming. Plus, it's got the all-important full-bottom coverage.

INC from Macy's

I love the ruffled skirt, wide straps and sweetheart neckline of this adorable suit from Macy's by INC International Concepts.

Urban back Urban front

This red number from Urban Outfitters by Betsy Johnson is my winner though. The lace detailing on the bust! The long skirt in the front! The ruffled, layered skirt in the back! The pink rossettes at just above the ruffles! Love! (And it's on sale! More love!)

Even though I've got my suit picked out though, there are also some great real vintage suits out there:

LA Vintage

I love the flower print on this bright blue 70s suit from LA Vintage.

Etsy vintage suit

Although this manequin doesn't seem to be doing this suit justice, I love the bright, bold pattern on this 60s suit at scarletvintage's shop on Etsy.

Call me old-fashioned, but I love these modest, fun but still sexy retro and vintage looks. Best of all, I'm actually excited to hit the beach this summer and isn't that what it's all about?

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Tina Lane 5 pts

I just talked about getting a retro suit on a recent blog post on my honeymoon.  I think they are great.  www.floridagirlmidwest.blogspot.com ( http://www.floridagirlmidwest.blogspot.com/ )

Leighbra 5 pts

Please, please, please someone bring back the swim suits with shorts.

I've worn surf shorts over my suits for years. I fell in love with a pair I picked up in Hawaii, and wore them from when I was 17 til I was 25!

I'm short, with small boobs, and hips and sturdy thighs. There isn't a 1-piece around that fits me on both top and bottom. Selling 2 pieces so you can mix and match has been fantastic for me. But I still hate my butt to a disabilitating level.

One bit of advice on suits with skirts. If the skirt is not sewn anywhere but at the top hem, it WILL float straight up when you jump in the water. It will be up around your hips and belly, not doing it's job of covering your butt AND driving you nuts.

Oh Mommy and Me swim lessons. I loved them, and hated them.

EvieL 5 pts

I'm glad to hear you are going to take the plunge and buy one of these beautiful 'retro' swimsuits!

I have several suits like these that I wear when I'm lounging by the side of pool.

I teach aqua aerobics 3-4 times a week and I have for the past 13 years! I love it and I'm very passionate about it! When I teach I wear swimsuits from http://www.h2owear.com/. They are durable and handle the chlorine really well!

Enjoy the summer swimsuit season and best of luck finding the right swimsuit for you so you take the plunge!

EvieL

natsw 5 pts

I really like these swimsuits, especially the 70s one but I have always found that more material does not equal more flattering. In fact, quite the opposite. I actually prefer seeing the entire length of my legs as cutting them off makes them look stumpy. But I guess, like all these things, it comes down to shape - and confidence!

Natalie

Loves tea & all things tea-related. She writes about it at:

http://afternoonteatotal.blogspot.com

booboo 5 pts

Okay first let me tell you that I am a size 26. i decied waaay back in 1996 that my large dimpled thighs would never see the light of day in public again.   An avid water baby and  beach goer I was in a quandry... I wore one of those skirted numbers one time and likend myself to a hippo in a tutu! Then it hit me. I could modernize a really retro the look from the turn of the 20TH century.

From then till now my swim wear consists of a sturdy spandex sports bra and not one but two pairs of knee length bike shorts. I buy a one size down to support my flabby mid section and to smooth out  my cellulite and add a second pair properly sized pair over them. Whenever I show up at the pool or beach complete sandles and flowing cover women give me a why didin't I think of that look.

When I wear this combination I feel covered and confident and ready for action. I spend time enjoying my self not digging out wedgies etc.

To me the swimdress is generally attractive on women who look and feel good in traditional swinsuits to begin with.

Tip: for you 2x/3x and above women try the plus size men's racks and opt for the plain colors with no stripes. 

fittothefinish 5 pts

There was an 8 year period when I didn't own a suit because of my weight. When I finally lost the weight, I was glad to find that there are cute one piece suits that don't scream - "I'm an old woman at 30!"

Thanks for these great ideas, and I love the one you picked out. 

Diane

lost 150 pounds and talks about it at:

www.fittothefinish.com/blog ( http://www.fittothefinish.com/blog )

sassymonkey 6 pts moderator

With that Victoria's Secret swimdress. But looking at the size chart I just don't see it working for me (well, not enough to order it online which I'd have to do because we don't have VS here). If I happen to see it in Chicago though I just might have to try it on...

Sassymonkey ( http://sassymonkey.ca/ ) and Sassymonkey Reads ( http://sassymonkeyreads.ca/ ).

Beth Engel 5 pts

The swimdress looks absolutely gorgeous. I'm off to check it out. It looks like something that I could actually feel comfortable in!

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My mame is Beth Engel. I've been running my own online business, Epic Merchandise, where I sell personalized, engraved gifts ( http://epicmerchandise.com/ ), since 2003.

Vered 5 pts

Although I wear bikinis, I insist on full-bottom coverage and on a well-structured top. I think there's time for triangle bikinis (teens and early twenties, pre-kids), but after that, they just don't look or feel right. Last year I wrote about plus size swimwear ( http://momgrind.com/2008/03/27/plus-size-swimwear/ ) - I think you just inspired me to write another swimsuit post!

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Need to hire a blogger ( http://momgrind.com/ )? I’m a mommy blogger and a blogger for hire ( http://momgrind.com/hire-me/ ).