Every year, swimsuit designers come out with their new bathing suit collections and they almost always feature vintage swimwear of various cuts, colors, and patterns. This was evident during the spring/summer 2011 fashion season, when the catwalks featured models wearing retro-inspired bikinis and one-piece bathing suits.
The trend shows no sign of letting up in the 2012 season. According to fashion web sites such as fashionising.com, vintage-inspired swimwear is set to continue to make its presence known next year. This means consumers can expect to find pinup-girl-inspired designs in stores next spring and summer.
What's more, it's more than just the run-of-the-mill designs that will be in the offering. Some swimwear designs incorporate both vintage and modern aspects, such as the use of digitally printed fabrics that are cut in classic forms.
These classic vintage swimsuit forms include high-waisted bikini bottoms, one-piece bathing suits that have halter tops with thick straps and cinched-in waists, and modestly-cut boyleg bottoms. Patterns and designs encompass the gamut of colors and designs, from cute and girly floral prints to bold and solid abstract patterning to nautically-themed designs.
The appeal of retro-themed swimsuits and the inspiration for them varies according to the viewpoints and feelings of designers. Designer Maria Dobrzanska Reeves from Marysia SWIM, for example, says that her admiration for style icons from decades past, such as Grace Kelly and Lauren Hutton, as well as vintage photographs by Slim Aaron, influenced her decision to create a line of retro swimwear.
One thing's for sure: with the sheer variety of designs, cuts, and patterns that are available now and which will be released soon, women are sure to find the right kind of vintage swimwear that will appeal to their sensibilities, create a flattering appearance by emphasizing their best features, and help them make the type of impact they want on the beach or by the poolside.
