While we love the look of a full rockabilly gal with the pin curls, winged eyeliner, and pinup curves, it’s a high maintenance aesthetic that requires commitment to the look. Dabbling in the style with just a nod to vintage glamour can be a more accessible way to channel your inner pinup girl.

• The History of Retro Style
• Elements of Retro style in Modern Fashion
• Retro Style in Swimwear

The History of Retro Style

When we think of retro style, our minds time travel to the 1950s. This was a time of fiercely feminine silhouettes, perfectly set hair and impeccable makeup. As a woman you were either team full skirt or team pencil skirt. Either way, waists were cinched and accessories played a major role in your finished look.

Christian Dior was the most influential designer of the times having created the ‘New Look’ in the late forties. This revolution in fashion saw women’s bodies transformed from straight columns into the coveted hourglass shape that has been in fashion ever since.

70 years later women are still paying homage to this moment in fashion history, often adopting the style for its flattering shapes and size inclusive aesthetic. In swimwear design we are constantly influenced by retro style for exactly those reasons.

Retro style accentuates curves and promotes an hourglass silhouette

Elements of Retro Style in Modern Fashion

Retro style is all about the waistline and creating an hourglass silhouette. In recent years we have seen waists move from 70s inspired hip hugging styles all the way back up to the ribcage. Accentuating the smallest part of our midsection allows us to show off our curves and feminine shape, while feeling comfortable and supported.

Accessories play a huge part in retro style and can be the easiest way to dip your toes into the aesthetic. Think cat’s-eye sunglasses or classic Wayfarers, quilted Chanel inspired bags, and hair scarves. These accessories are always in fashion and considered chic and classic staples to elevate any look.

Makeup is another way to play in the retrosphere, with simple looks that anyone can master. Semi-matte skin, lots of mascara on the top lashes, and of course, a red lip. Even this simple makeup look can transform a basic jeans and white t-shirt ensemble into a vintage inspired retro look.

Add a retro vibe to your look with accessories such as hair scarves

Retro Style in Swimwear

Just like everyday and special occasion vintage fashion, retro swimwear is all about showing off those curves in the most feminine way possible. Retro one piece swimwear is often cinched in at the waist with ruching around the midsection, creating an hourglass shape.

Retro style bikinis will usually feature high waisted pants that accentuate the smallest part of your torso, creating beautiful curves and an hourglass silhouette. Bikini tops are less about showing off cleavage and more about supporting and shaping the bust to show off your natural shape. Features such as ruffles and flutter sleeves add a feminine touch with additional coverage.

In contrast to the current high cut trend inspired by the 80s and 90s, retro swimwear focuses on a lower leg line. This detail adds coverage and volume to the hips and bottom, further accentuating the waistline. You can see this style showcased on images of Marilyn Monroe and similar bombshells of the 50s.

This low leg line is taken even further with skirted fronts that cut across hip line with ruching, providing coverage and truly paying homage to the retro pinup girl.

Colour and prints are another way to a retro element to your swimwear looks. Think classic black and navy, polkadots and checks. Leopard print brings out the vampy starlet in you, while the right floral serves girl next door vibes. Prints allow you to make the retro look unique to you and your personal style.

Retro swimwear features low leg lines and feminine elements such as flutter sleeves

To kick off 2022, Curvy Swimwear has launched the Retro Floral collection. This stunning range of vintage inspired swimsuits has something for everyone to live their bombshell dreams. 

Choose from bikini and tankini separates, curve loving one pieces, and even cute matching swim hats. Wearing a swimsuit from the Retro Floral collection is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. 

Shop the Retro Floral swimwear collection for a fun, vintage swim look.