Thursday, June 18, 2009

Vintage Swimsuits 1948

A day late with our weekly summer swimsuit feature, but you'll still enjoy these suits from 1948.

Jacquard patterned knit in brown cotton/rayon/Lastex by Jantzen. Sold in 1948 for $9.95 (about $91.00 in today's dollar).

Shimmering satiny Lastex suits by Sea Goddess Originals. "Designed from a man's point of view...". The one piece was their "Golden Sands" model and the two piece was their "Breakers" model. The one piece sold in 1948 for $10.95 (about $100.00 in today's dollar). The two piece sold in 1948 for $8.95 (about $82.00 in today's dollar).
Cole of California was offering a collection of swimsuits in 1948 inspired by the Cole collection of California water color paintings. The suits shown above were made in mauve, emeraude, chrome yellow, scarlet lake, cobalt blue, white, and Cole black.

Catalina "Cattails" print in Celanese and Lastex boucle knit. Sold in 1948 for $15.00 (about $136.00 in today's dollar).

Of course, no self-respecting gal entered the water without her swim cap in those days. This one, by Kleinert's, had the Sava-Wave inner rim to keep water out and your curls in.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. For the best selection of authentic vintage swimsuits on the web, you must visit Glamoursurf. Pam has an extensive collection of authentic 1940's swimsuits, including several that are similar to those shown here. She also has a great selection of vintage swim caps.