In Search of Style: Cute Mid-60s Swimsuit Fashion!

Are you ready for the water this summer with a cute vintage-inspired swimsuit? I recently posted a swimsuit pattern in my shop that had this page from the May '66 edition of Seventeen Magazine tucked inside.

Here is the pattern, Simplicity 5978! When comparing the two swimsuits in the ad with the pattern, I think the sewist had her eye on the lower suit, as it matches the swimsuit pattern the most closely.As you can see, the boy shorts-style trunks and the curved camisole bra top are not too far from the illustrated swimsuit (minus some ruffles) in the lower half of the ad. :) The only real difference is in the beach coverup - the pattern version actually resembles the bloused top of the upper swimsuit in the ad.

Any way you look at it, the suits are cute! (Not to mention their hair is cute too :) The nice bonus with Simplicity 5978 is that it includes a lovely slim dress with a lacy overblouse..

Simplicity 5978

1970s - At the Beach and After!

A caftan, a bikini, a wrap ankle-length skirt, and a long beach cover-up from February 1973 and Vogue - some very easy fashion to sew up and totally fabulous to wear.

While I encourage you to visit my shop Etsy shop, Midvale Cottage for lots of 1970s swimsuits and cover-ups, you can find the patterns for the two bikinis and cover-ups (illustrated above) in the following Etsy shops:

Vogue 8309 (on the left):

•  Studio G Patterns

• The Rare Stitch UK 

• Still in Vogue Vintage

Vogue 8313 (on the right):

•  The Pattern Shopp

1951 Maillot - Fabulous Style is Timeless!

Cole of California placed its model "under water" in this wonderful ad from 1951. It features a cotton one-piece swimsuit with details such as shirring, shelf bust trimmed with a cuff, and a halter neck. Love that pose!

Resort Fashion - 1950s Strapless Suit and "Sandwig"

I love the mauve colors in this picture - so peaceful. :)

That is a terry cloth "Sandwig" on her head, worn to cover wet hair after swimming. Rather jaunty looking  - what do you think? And the fabulous strapless suit is embroidered piqué.