Splish, Splash! (Repost from Bygone Knits)

Vogue Knitting, Spring/Summer, 1950

As everyone heads off to The Pool or The Beach during this unbearable heat wave, it's time to talk bathing suits. First of all, were I you, Dear Reader, I would look into vintage, or vintage reproduction suits -- contrary to what's commonly available today, the coverage and cut of vintage suits is extremely flattering. Legs openings cut up to your navel do NOT make you look slimmer, or like you have longer legs, no matter what "fashion experts" say. They make you look like a tramp. And, most likely, a funny-shaped one at that, to say the least. (I could say something more unkind.) Look how elegant the model above looks. And the cut of her suit is, er, suitable (completely unintentional pun) for any body shape or size. Remember that 1950s models were not twigs like they are today.

What you may not know is that woolen bathing suits were the standard through the '30s and '40s, and even common through the '60s. But aren't they hot, you say? Not at all! They may not dry as quickly modern nylon and spandex, but, honestly, isn't it irritating when you're dry and hot again five minutes after emerging from the pool? Really, be honest. You hate it.

I hope to make the above swimsuit one day -- and I also happen to have the same pattern from Vogue sewing. Perhaps both a woolen and cotton one are in order, I love the cut so much.