I’m a huge fan of anything vintage; it’s been ingrained in me since I was little, when my mom would take me on trips to flea markets and antique shops in search of old treasures she could make new again. Furniture, clothing, accessories, art, you name it and I like it as long as it has a retro flair to it.
Most of those things can be found easily at any thrift store or vintage shop (my favorite local shop is Street Scene, in Lexington, Kentucky), but sometimes the clothing is a bit trickier, especially if you’re curvy. For some reason, vintage clothing tends to be on the small side. Some say it’s all the hormones in the meat we modern girls eat that makes us bustier and hippier than the girls of days gone by; whatever the reason, it makes looking for cute retro clothes really frustrating.
With summer at our doorsteps, it’s time to start thinking about swim attire (gasp! the horror) if you haven’t already. But never fear, vintage-lovers! There are bathing suits out there for all of us, I promise; you just have to know how to look. Sometimes vintage-inspired is easier to find than actual vintage, and some are pricier than others, but if you want to invest in a good piece that will last more than one season, it’s worth the extra cash. One of the best cost-effective places I know of to look for cute suits is Target. Not only do they have a good selection, they also sell most of their pieces separately, so if you’re different sizes on top and bottom, it’s easier to find a good fit.
The best way to go about finding the perfect suit is to set a budget. How much are you willing to spend, and how often are you going to use the suit? If you have a summer at the beach planned, you’ll have to buy more than one bathing suit, so keep that in mind. If a few trips to the pool are more your cup of tea, it may be worth it to spend a little on a good suit that will last all summer and into the next few seasons. Remember, vintage doesn’t really go out of style.
Second, browse around until you find some styles you think you might be comfortable with. Ordering a bathing suit online can be a bit tricky when figuring out what size you need, so it may be in your best interest to go to a lingerie store and ask to be measured. Don’t be shy; they do it all the time. Lane Bryant, JC Penny, and Victoria’s Secret all do measurements free of charge. Also, pay attention to the user reviews and manufacturer’s comments online, because some suits run big or small depending on the design.
Armed with those things, start shopping! Here are a few to get you started.
Push-Up Polka Dot Bikini With Ruffle–Target
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Some of the best suits to flatter curvier figures can be found at Modcloth.com. The site has been a longtime favorite of mine because of the mixture of old and new. They sell both vintage and vintage-inspired pieces, with many size ranges to choose from. Here are some of my favorite swimsuit offerings from the site:
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One of my latest favorite online shops is Sourpuss Clothing. They have the cutest retro dresses and accessories….I have a hard time leaving the site without buying something! Their bathing suits aren’t always available in every size, but they often have sales which make the separates a steal, so check back often.
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These are some of my favorite suits around the web, but there are many other sites that cater to vintage lovers. What’s your favorite? Leave us a comment below and share the love!