1940s swimsuits: Timeless vintage styles that redefined beachwear & still inspire designs today

LIFE Jul 26, 1948 - 1940s swimsuits

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In the 1940s, swimsuits were all about flattering the figure while also maintaining a certain level of modesty. Vintage 1940s swimwear for women often featured ruching, boy short cuts and halter straps — elements that not only provided a comfortable fit, but also enhanced the wearer’s silhouette. Ruching added texture and visual interest, while boy shorts offered more coverage and freedom of movement.

Vintage swimsuits for men and women in 1947 at ClickAmericana com

The designs of the 1940s were influenced by the fabric shortages of World War II, which led to innovative styles that made the most of less material. Modest one-pieces were common, designed with strategic seams and panels to shape the body. High waist bikinis, another popular style, offered a flattering look that highlighted the waist while still providing coverage. These high-waist designs were a favorite among women who wanted to stay stylish yet conservative at the beach.

Swimwear for women from 1948 at ClickAmericana com

Halter straps were another key feature of 1940s swimwear, providing support and a touch of Hollywood glamour. Stars of the silver screen, like Esther Williams, often sported these suits, making them a must-have for fashion-forward women of the time. This old-fashioned swimwear had more class than sass, embodying an era where elegance reigned supreme even at the seaside.

We’ve gathered a wonderful collection of vintage photos and advertisements that showcase these charming swimsuits. Each image tells a story of summer days and classic style, so dive right into this visual journey and discover the elegance and charm of a bygone era!

Old-fashioned swim trunks for men from 1947

Old-fashioned swim trunks for men from 1947 at ClickAmericana com


Vintage 1940s swimsuits: Take care to be pretty at seashore & pool

By Betty Clarke, Valley Morning Star (Harlingen, Texas) June 27, 1948

It is a very peculiar thing, indeed, that women who can be so ladylike in restaurants, theaters and other public places toss propriety to the winds when they hit the beach.

Perhaps the sea breezes or the sailboats on the lake give them that salty feeling. Most of them act as if they were in some private little corner of the world tagged “no trespassing.”

Some who wouldn’t dream of crossing their legs at a tea in their own home will sprawl on the sand in complete abandon when they are on a public beach.

LIFE May 24, 1948 - swim suits (1)

Swimsuits this year

This year’s crop of bathing suits demands the utmost decorum on the part of the wearer. If you must coat yourself with grease from forehead to toes, please don’t stretch out like a starfish.

You can acquire a beautiful tan with a good suntan lotion. Just recline casually on the beach instead of trying to practice the antics of a contortionist.

Simplicity lends charm to beach playgirls. Wear a simple hairdo, a smart dignified bathing suit which still can be eye-catching, a light makeup and you can be the belle of the beach.

Skip the top-knot of curls, the dangling earrings, the armful of bracelets, the too-ornate sunglasses, the huge fringed beach hat — unless you are the type.

1949 Jantzen swimwear

LIFE Jun 21, 1948 swimsuit

Frou-frou bathing suits are for the very young. The matron who dons one looks nothing short of ridiculous. Young girls with attractive figures can wear the strapless and midriff suits with perfect ease.

If you are fat, stocky and short, stick to the long full-skirted suit which coves the thighs and the bulging diaphragm. Mother and daughter suits are cute, but not for fat mammas.

MORE: ’60s swimwear: 8 snazzy swimsuits from 1967

Vintage swimsuit styles from summer of 1948 (2)

Mind your feet

If your feet are in bad shape, do not expose them unnecessarily. Corns and callouses are not a pretty sight, and if you neglected to rid yourself of these ugly things. wear beach shoes, except when you are taking a dip.

This is a sandal season, and you may be tempted to wear some of the bright, beautiful sandals now so popular. Leave them alone, however, unless your feet are pretty and unblemished.

Sandal wearers will have to keep their feet pretty and smooth with creams or oil. Gay nail polishes will help their toes to twinkle.

Vintage swimsuit styles from summer of 1948 (3)

Vintage swimsuit styles from summer of 1948 (4)

ALSO SEE: Women: Do you have the ideal figure? Here’s what ‘they’ thought in 1950

May 24, 1948 Vintage swimsuits by Cole

Vintage swimsuit styles from summer of 1948 (1)

NOW SEE THIS: 36 summery vintage ’50s swimsuits for women, when strapless one-piece suits with ruffles were hot

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Comments on this story

One Response

  1. These styles look quite daring for the 1940s — not to mention that the men’s swim trunks are far more brief than what you see nowadays! And that “backless/strapless” top looks quite risky. 😬Perhaps that’s why it never caught on…

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