That dreaded time of year is upon us where we drag ourselves store to store looking for the perfect swim suit (one that fits great, is flattering, adorable and the right price). Two summers ago, I decided to completely skip the bad dressing rooms and sew my own perfect swim suit, using Mrs Depew's one-piece bathing suit pattern.
A halter strap bandeau never goes out of style. Pair it with the beach shorts shown in the pattern or, for a style like the ladies pictured, try this bikini bottom.
The wonderful thing about sewing your own swimwear is that you can get a perfect fit every time. Buying separates has always been difficult because my swim bottom was always a different size from the top. I'd often pick a one-piece and alter it to fit anyway. Mrs Depew patterns come in print or draft at home and a few are available in paper, perfect for the girl who can't fit ready-to-wear beach wear. With the one-piece suit that I sewed, I was able to size the bust and hips to fit (with great coverage up top) and nip in the waist.
Va-Voom Vintage readers save 15% off from Mrs Depew with code "VAVOOM" at the register
Check out other beautiful projects made with Mrs Depew Patterns on the Mrs Depew Customer Gallery pin board
Get the look from The Notebook in the 1940s beach shorts, turban and beach bra
We all fell in love with Tasha's version of the Depew beach bustier. Embellish yours in pom pom trim, piping or contrast fabrics. Check out my tiki dress to see how I extended the torso portion of this bustier to make a fabulous bodice.
The classic skirted one-piece is on the covet list for many vintage ladies in the summer. This versatile pattern may be made in strapless or halter. I added decorative buttons and piping to my aqua blue and red version. Also check out Marilyn's red suit from How to Marry a Millionaire, made using the Depew one-piece pattern.
Mrs Depew Vintage is a sponsor of Va-Voom Vintage
Nice patterns! I've been kind of chicken to try making a vintage suit, but one of these days I'll give it a go. I won't be going for the original wool jersey, like the early Claire McCardell's though. My guess is that people did more lounging than swimming.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a seamstress yet, but I adore these suits! So classy and chic!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
L A
.Ravishing-Ruby.blogspot.com.
.RAVISHING on Bloglovin’ here.
I've been wanting to make my own swimsuit for a while now. I really should stop talking and start sewing! Maybe I will get enough courage someday soon!
ReplyDeleteIvy
Thank you for this! I've been trying to find my way around sewing a vintage-ish swimsuit for weeks. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for such a great post, Brittany, it completely made my day!
ReplyDeleteThey're playful, curvaceous, and steeped in sex appeal. So the reason we refer to the former is to balance out the latter: Vintage-style swimwear has its place in 2015's swimwear trends, but it's not always going to be about strawberry cheesecake and other cliches. Swimsuits
ReplyDeleteOnce you have decided on what you or others like most about your body you simply need to follow a few simple rules about what to look for in your new swimming costume that will emphasize your best assets. string bikini
ReplyDeleteI love these suggestions! What fabric would you recommend for the most vintage look but also functional? I'm guessing they didn't quite have our modern spandex/nylon swim fabric in the 50s, so what would they have used?
ReplyDelete