Bathing beauties

Even slender girls have body issues. When it comes to trying on bathing suits, I practically need psychotherapy. Going into a dressing room with a handful or bikinis knowing I’m about to come face to face with every stretch mark cellulite ripple: Ick. It’s enough to make a girl just want to turn back to her corduroys and tunics.
(Marilyn swimsuit from PinUpGirlClothing.com)

Okay, not really. But I have gazed longingly at the matronly skirted suits in the Land’s End catalog from time to time. And I have thought, “Too bad those high-waisted, boy-legged pinup suits of the 1940s and 50s don’t come back into style.”

Here’s the good news: Those Vargas Girl suits of yore — the ones with the supportive chests and full coverage seats, the ones that are at once prim and sexy — are back in style. At least among some vintage revivalist labels like Pin Up Girl Clothing (natch) and Squidoo. (Baby Girl Boutique even sells the real vintage thing, like this “1950's Hawaiian Tiki Print Bombshell Swimsuit Bathing Suit,” below.)

Hip Replacements (one of my favorite stores) sells some of these super-cute, super-flattering suits. (Below: Fables by Barrie, Yacht Bikini.)

Take a wardrobe lesson from Marilyn Monroe? Gidget? Betty Paige? Don’t mind if I do!