I stumbled upon a fantastic collection of vintage beach photos (called "Before the Bikini") and had so much fun looking through them. Aren't these women glamorous and gorgeous? I just love the look of so many of these vintage bathing suits, and they got me thinking.
You see, I'm over my bikini days. I still have most of my old bikinis, and I do wear them sometimes--like when I'm reading by the pool in my neighborhood. But for swimming, or going to the beach with family and friends, I've discovered the beauty of the one-piece. I don't know if I'll ever really go back.
And it's not because I have anything to hide--at the risk of coming across the wrong way, I'm actually quite happy with my body (hey, if you don't love your body at 25, when will you love it?). I've simply found that one-pieces are so flattering, so feminine, and most importantly, they leave more to the imagination. They're mysterious and retro, and in this "bare it all" culture of ours, I think erring on the side of not baring all is a brave and beautiful choice.
And lest you think that modesty is not sexy--believe me, it is. First of all, look at all of these women from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. They're absolutely stunning! My husband has also told me that he prefers my one-piece suits to my two-piece suits. He thinks they're becoming and feminine. And there are so many interesting and flattering options these days for one-pieces (I think they're coming back into fashion--yes!). A few years ago, my mom and I found a beautiful black, ruched suit with ultra-thin straps. I still love it. A few days ago I added this inexpensive Target suit to my collection. And I'm pining after this lovely (total splurge) one-piece from Anthropologie.
(I know this isn't a one-piece, but it may as well be, right?)
(Images Source)
Kate, when I was in junior high and a freshman in high school, I wore two-pieces. But when I started dating Mr. Pearl the summer after freshman year, he commented that he thought one-piece bathing suits were so much more becoming (for all the reasons you state: feminine, flattering, modest, leave more to the imagination, etc.). They looked "sleek," he said. I started wearing one-pieces and never looked back! (And my body wasn't going to get much better than it was in my teens!)
ReplyDeleteI love this post--love the pictures. There is something about pictures of women from the 30's, 40's, and 50's that is so glamorous--and they didn't have to go around in clothes that were up to here and down to there to look like knock-outs!
Laura Pearl
http://mumsie2five.blogspot.com
How adorable that Mr. Pearl encouraged you to wear one-pieces. Sign of a good man :) And seriously, it's been such an awesome revelation for me! I love the way I feel in one-pieces.
ReplyDeleteAren't these photos great? If you click the link "Before the Bikini" you can see many more, if you're interested. :)
Elegant and modest! My friend and I were just talking about modest swimsuits that are still cute and she showed me her tankini. She got it from this site and I'm so excited about it because they can grow with a baby bump! :) And they are LONG, which is perfect since I'm tall and have a long torso. There are a couple of cute vintage ones.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.divinitasole.com/
After I blew my knee out in college, I swam for physical therapy and wore a bikini to my first session. I quickly realized that it was totally stupid (the top kept flying up in the water when I swam fast!)..... so I own quite a collection of athletic 1 pieces for true swimming. The only other time I am at the beach is at our lake cottage on Lake Michigan and I still wear bikini's there to work on my tan. I love all of the 1 pieces that are out now in the stores. They're becoming "in" which is good. They really are more comfortable (but trickier to find the right fit? or is that just me?)
ReplyDeleteYou're right! Those are beautiful. I love the vintage-looking ones. And a baby bump?! Is that a hint? :)
ReplyDeleteI have good luck finding one-pieces that fit. In fact, I think they fit better than most bikinis (for my build anyway). Maybe the more athletic-y ones are more difficult as far as the cut goes? I too love the ones that I'm seeing in stores!
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE everything about this. I absolutely agree that there is something "becoming and feminine" about one-piece swimsuits not to mention classy. I love them and I feel good in them and that's what matters!
ReplyDeleteHi Kaitlyn! Classy indeed. I'm so happy that other women agree with me on this--I feel so good in them too!
ReplyDeleteI'm a one-piece lover. In fact, I like swim dresses if I can find them! I do have a bikini, but have always been very self-conscious about my body which I have never been at peace with, so I don't wear it much. Interestingly, while we were in Italy, we noticed a completely different "air" for lack of better word about body image. It was so refreshing! Made it kind of hard to assimilate back into America's obsession with perfection. But that's another comment for another day :-).
ReplyDeleteI think you have a lovely figure, for what it's worth :) I do think that our society's obsession with body image is so silly. We come in all shapes and sizes and there isn't ONE kind of beautiful. I'm glad to hear you like one-pieces too, they're so flattering, right?
ReplyDeleteFor the first time I can wear a 2 piece and feel comfortable...but after 2 kids I'm still a little shy about my stomach and think a 1 piece is more flattering (and pool day friendly w/ the kids).
ReplyDeleteIf I go to the pool or beach alone to lay out and relax...maybe a tankini
With all my clothes...I always play it conservative and classic
ReplyDeleteI had such a rant in favor of one-pieces on Twitter a few weeks ago! I completely agree that they can be as lovely and feminine and, yes, sexy as bikinis. But I get really upset that "looking good in a bikini" is the be-all and end-all for so many women - encouraged, of course by the ads we're bombarded with every day for food products and diet supplements and gyms and and and... it's an accomplishment to look good in a one-piece, too!
ReplyDeleteI've been so happy with some of the recent positivity I've toward one-pieces. Obviously bikinis are still as prevalent as ever but one-pieces are getting a fair shake too! There are so many beautiful options, and I think more and more women are beginning to see that maybe bikinis aren't all that flattering after all--no matter your shape--because they are so revealing and leave nothing to the imagination. I love the allure of a one-piece, and I think women who wear them look confident and sexy! Here's an article you might be interested in: http://verilymag.com/sneak-peak-one-piece-wonders/
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