The Vintage Style Swimwear Edit

All things old are new again as retro styles take over the runway and swimwear trends. Nostalgia has always been a powerful force in the world of art and design and now we’re seeing it in the swim styles of 2024. Whether you’re interested in vintage silhouettes or retro patterns, this accessible swim trend has something for everyone. We’ve curated a gorgeous inclusive collection of vintage-inspired swimsuits for every body type that will have you feeling gorgeous and not like you’re borrowing your grandmother’s swimsuit!

Where to Buy Vintage Swimsuits

Before we dive into our list of carefully hand-picked vintage-inspired swimsuits, we must discuss why you may want to buy retro-style swimsuits over true vintage styles. Vintage swimwear, is, as you might suspect, on the older side, which means, its fabric may be falling apart or become sheer when you step into the water.

Speaking of water, the chlorine of your luxury hotel’s pool or hot tub may also damage your vintage swimsuit beyond recognition after just one dip. There’s also the issue of aging sewn-in cups and padding of real vintage swimsuits that may become waterlogged once they become wet.

Last but not least, there’s also the very real issue of limited sizes with vintage styles. Vintage swimsuits are generally much smaller in size compared to current swimwear, making vintage swimsuits less of an option for plus-size customers. If you have your heart set on a real vintage swimstyle, wear it as a bodysuit so it won’t fall apart after just one day on the beach or in the pool.

If you’re interested in channeling the vintage aesthetic, we recommend buying from a current swimwear designer so you can get the most bang for your buck. There are so many vintage-inspired silhouettes and prints widely available that you can channel your favorite decade with ease in a new swimsuit that will last you multiple seasons!

Swimwear for the Femme Fatale

Fashion history buffs will instantly recognize the vintage inspiration behind this chic and sexy swimsuit. Austrian-American Fashion designer Rudi Gernreich created a revolution in 1964 with his provocative breast-baring monokini and now you can channel the confidence of that daring vintage look with the Mila One Piece in black from Tropic of C. This retro-inspired swimsuit is perfect for the aspiring Bond Girl looking to turn heads on her next vacation.

Electric Blue Bathing Suit

Set pulses racing with the Norma Kamali Halter Low Back Mio one-piece swimsuit. This designer swimsuit combines a timeless vintage swimwear silhouette with a thoroughly modern Electric Blue shade. With a plunging neckline, high-cut leg, low back, and halter design, this retro-inspired swimsuit looks like it just popped out of a glamorous Patrick Nagel painting from the 1980s. Up the editorial factor of this luxury swimsuit with a bold lip color or eye shadow to channel true vixen energy.

Vintage High Waisted Swimwear

Looking for a dash of vintage without looking too dated? Try luxury brand Etro’s Printed Bikini. This black high-waisted bikini gives a nod to nostalgia while the updated floral print of this suit helps the design feel fresh. Also, we just love the subtle bow detail on the center of this Italian-made bikini! Wear this high-waisted swimsuit with a black sarong for a fabulous resort-style look.

Pin Up Swimsuit

Channel the flirtatious style of retro pinups with this Floral Halterneck Bikini from Etro. We’re obsessed with the cute side ties of this classic white bikini. If you’re someone who tends to be in between sizes or experience weight fluctuations from time to time (and who doesn’t), this pinup bikini is for you! If you prefer just a touch of retro nostalgia, wear this Floral Halterneck Bikini with your favorite brown leather sandals and floppy sun hat. To double down on the pinup style of this suit, wear it with red lipstick and white-framed sunglasses.

Fresh for Spring

Beach Riot has made some of our favorite swim styles for 2024 and their colorful Caitlin Bikini Top and Highway Bikini Bottoms are no exception! This laid-back California swimwear brand perfectly blends today’s hottest trends, like textured swimwear, with retro colors and vintage style prints. For those who enjoy the vintage aesthetic but still want to show some skin, you’ll appreciate the cheeky cut of this gingham bikini.

A Beautiful Blue and White Retro Swimsuit

We’ve talked a lot about the 1960s and 1970s but it’s time to move on to the wild 1980s. If you’re a fan of the eye-catching prints of the 1980s (think Keith Haring or Grace Jones), the blue and white Jody One Piece swimsuit from Mara Hoffman is for you! This fully-lined one-piece swimsuit features a rounded scoop neck with an open back and is available in sizes XS to 3XL.

Old Hollywood Swimsuits

If you prefer your swimsuits to be glamorous, this gorgeous Sydney One-Piece Swimsuit from Beach Riot is for you! Available in a flattering orange shade, this well-constructed pull-on swimsuit is made for lounging on a yacht or in the cabana of a dream luxury resort. This retro swimsuit perfectly streamlines your silhouette for an hourglass shape with the help of its cinching belt. The shoulder ties add yet another stylist detail to this Old Hollywood-inspired swimsuit.

Vintage Modest Swimwear

Perhaps you love vintage-style prints without the pinup girl fit. If that’s the case, you’ll love the Retro Love One-Piece and matching Skirted Bikini Bottom from Gottex. The funky blue and green psychedelic print and beaded detailing of this modest swimsuit is a great way to try the vintage trend without showing a lot of skin. These two modest swimwear pieces can be worn together or separately, depending on your style preferences!

Cherry Crush

Viva Las Vegas! Channel Lady Luck with this painterly Cherry-Print One-Piece Swimsuit from Dolce & Gabbana. Luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana has always given a nod to nostalgia, and this sweetheart neckline swimsuit is no exception. This cherry swimsuit has major Lana Del Rey/coquette vibes, so be careful not to break too many hearts when you wear this retro-inspired one-piece on your vacation!

Simple & Sweet

Even minimalists can enjoy retro influences with this turquoise Basics V-Neck Low-Back One-Piece Swimsuit from Karla Colletto Swim. Available in sizes 6 to 16, this flattering solid swimsuit is a great way to try out the vintage trend if you’re averse to ruffles and fear looking like your grandmother. With supportive underwire cups and a knotted front detail, this vintage-style one-piece is perfect for those planning family vacations who need a style that will look good in photos without being too revealing.

Surfer Girl Style

Sporty styles ruled the beach in the 1970s and now you can get the same streamlined look with this retro-inspired swimsuit from Lisa Marie Fernandez. We love the white contrast piping detail of this Maria High-Waist Bikini in Navy & Cream Crepe against the crisp blue color of this vintage aesthetic two-piece bikini. This swim style will look so effortlessly chic against your sun-kissed skin as you join in with friends for a game of beach volleyball or as you sip Mai Tais on your lounge chair. 

Purrrfect Plus Size Retro Swimwear

Women of all sizes can enjoy vintage-inspired swimwear! This fierce Plus Size Cheetah-Print Off-The-Shoulder One Piece Swimsuit from Swim Solutions is a must-have for shoppers sizes 16W to 24W. Well-constructed with tummy control and sewn-in cups for full-bust support, this lined animal print swimsuit is tailored to perfection. We love the unique off-the-shoulder ruffled neckline and sexy Bettie Page vibes of this plus-size swimsuit!

90s Style Swimwear 

Yes, even the 90s are deemed vintage at this point. If you love the era of the supermodel and want to channel your inner Naomi Campbell or Claudia Schiffer, this cherry-red Women’s Amalfi Scoop Neck One Piece Swimsuit from Andie is going to be your go-to swimsuit for 2024. This 90s-style swimsuit includes a scoop neckline and adjustable straps for bust support. 

Stylish and Slimming Swimwear

Glamour girls of every era appreciate silhouette-enhancing designs and styles. This grenadine red Rock Solid Madrid One Piece Swimsuit from Miraclesuit claims that its slimming Miratex fabric and thoughtful garment construction will make you look “10 lbs. lighter in 10 seconds”. With that in mind, the empire waistline, fabric shirring, and feminine sweetheart neckline all work together to help minimize areas of concern while adding definition to the bust with underwire and foam cups. We love the 1950s-inspired look of this strapless swimsuit. It looks like a swimstyle Marilyn Monroe herself would wear!

Witchy Woman

Stevie Nicks is one of our all-time favorite style icons from the 1970s and if you ever wondered what kind of swimsuit she’d wear, this is it! Made in sizes XS to 3X, this bestselling Black Mesh Sleeved Torrey Swimsuit from Unique Vintage is made for those days when you want to feel boho, ethereal, and oh-so-mysterious. This enchanting and unique vintage-inspired one-piece has a plunging v-neckline and glamorous mesh butterfly sleeves. If you’re sensitive about your arms and shoulders, this beautiful bathing suit provides a touch of coverage in a sophisticated way. This stunning retro-inspired swimstyle looks glamorous lounging by the pool or dancing around the sand at sunset.