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These 25 Retro Bathing Suits Are a Vintage Dream

Nostalgia vibes tuggin' at your heartstrings.

By Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Laynie Rouch
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Slim Aarons/Stringer/Getty Images

When thinking about "retro style," does the image of Betty Boop wearing a polka-dot bathing suit instantly pop up in your mind, or is it just me? We're def onto something with that lil thought bubble, but while the word "retro" in a fashion context may conjure images of pinup girls in high-waisted swimsuits, the term actually applies to all past decades, just like "vintage" does! If you're a nostalgic person, you're prob into reviving old styles into your everyday–especially your swimwear. Maybe that's because it's just way easier to switch up your entire vibe in swim styles as opposed to your everyday looks, because there's not as much material to work with! Or, maybe there's just something about being near a pool that makes you feel your most carefree, adventurous, and open to trying to new things all at the same time.

Whatever it is, we feel ya and we're here to help you find an iconic retro bathing suit style! Considering there are seriously endless vintage swimsuit designs that are still pretty popular today, you may be interested in a few of your own. We've curated a diverse list of the best retro bathing suits you need to live out your beach bum dreams. Oh, and if you're typically not as into retro fashion, brace yourself. You just might be converted by these super chic examples below!

Our top retro bathing suit picks of 2023:

  • Whitney Belted Swimsuit

    This belted one

    Alexandra Miro Whitney Belted Swimsuit

    $230 at MyTheresa
    Read more
  • Marilyn Gingham Bikini

    this Gingham set

    Leslie Amon Marilyn Gingham Bikini

    Read more
  • Mara Floral Cabana (w/ Trim) Bikini Top

    this floral and frill vibe

    Montce Mara Floral Cabana (w/ Trim) Bikini Top

    Read more
  • Bill Mio Shirred s=Wwimsuit

    this moderate coverage pick

    Norma Kamali Bill Mio Shirred s=Wwimsuit

    Read more
  • 1950s Cherry Summer Halter Swimsuit

    This fruity one

    Retro Stage 1950s Cherry Summer Halter Swimsuit

    Read more


Keep scrolling for a deep dive (see what I did there?) of vintage swimsuits and see if you're ready to be a whole retro mood the next time you take to the water (or just wanna bask in the sun)! From high-waisted styles to lowback and other fab one-pieces, here are all the all the swimsuit vibes you need.

This belted one

Alexandra Miro Whitney Belted Swimsuit

Whitney Belted Swimsuit
This belted one

Alexandra Miro Whitney Belted Swimsuit

$230 at MyTheresa
Credit: Courtesy

We love a black & white moment, don't we? This look is perfectly simple and stylish.

this Gingham set

Leslie Amon Marilyn Gingham Bikini

Marilyn Gingham Bikini
this Gingham set

Leslie Amon Marilyn Gingham Bikini

Credit: Courtesy

We obviously had to include gingham! This adorable set is perfect for hangin' pool side or for your next lunch date.

this floral and frill vibe

Montce Mara Floral Cabana (w/ Trim) Bikini Top

Mara Floral Cabana (w/ Trim) Bikini Top
this floral and frill vibe

Montce Mara Floral Cabana (w/ Trim) Bikini Top

Credit: Courtesy

This ditzy floral print is romantic and timeless. Also, these removable shoulder details are major!

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this moderate coverage pick

Norma Kamali Bill Mio Shirred s=Wwimsuit

Bill Mio Shirred s=Wwimsuit
this moderate coverage pick

Norma Kamali Bill Mio Shirred s=Wwimsuit

Credit: Courtesy

This stunner is reminiscent of the suit Rachel McAdams wears in The Notebook... if you're a bird, I'm a bird, right?!

This fruity one

Retro Stage 1950s Cherry Summer Halter Swimsuit

1950s Cherry Summer Halter Swimsuit
This fruity one

Retro Stage 1950s Cherry Summer Halter Swimsuit

Credit: Courtesy

Here's a nod to the 1950s with this playful cherry-print number featuring a halter neckline and ruching details.

this High-Rise Brief combo

Lisa Marie Fernandez Poppy Button-Embellished Bikini

Poppy Button-Embellished Bikini
this High-Rise Brief combo

Lisa Marie Fernandez Poppy Button-Embellished Bikini

Now 40% Off
Credit: Courtesy

Honestly can't get over the button details on this high-waisted style. The mix and match colors = classic glamour. You'll be sure to stand out like the vintage queen you are.

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this Polka Dot style

Summersalt The Ruffle Oasis

The Ruffle Oasis
this Polka Dot style

Summersalt The Ruffle Oasis

Now 33% Off
Credit: Courtesy

I don't make the rules...but polka dots never go out of style! This suit provides support with built in soft cups and coverage with a seam at the natural waist. We love to see it.

this Blue wonder

Marysia Salento Top in Azure

Salento Top in Azure
this Blue wonder

Marysia Salento Top in Azure

Credit: Courtesy

Mama Mia. The design of this set is reminiscent of a few different stylish decades. Def add this one to your cart if you're all about old-Hollywood vibes.

this rick-rack moment

Hammies Bikini

Bikini
this rick-rack moment

Hammies Bikini

Credit: Courtesy

Get into this coral! Inspired from a 1960s original style, this bikini is a vintage gal's dream.

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this Playful pick

Alemais Lou Belted One-Piece Swimsuit

Lou Belted One-Piece Swimsuit
this Playful pick

Alemais Lou Belted One-Piece Swimsuit

Credit: Courtesy

This eye-catching suit is an instant example of bridging the gap between vintage and current! The mosaic pattern, belted waist, and trim details are fabulous!

this Corset Vibe

Frankie's Bikinis Farah Ruffle One Piece Swimsuit

Farah Ruffle One Piece Swimsuit
this Corset Vibe

Frankie's Bikinis Farah Ruffle One Piece Swimsuit

Now 30% Off
Credit: Courtesy

Calling all ladies in waiting! This lavender swimsuit is giving Bridgerton in all the best ways.

this Groovy Baby

Asos Reclaimed Vintage Inspired Geo Print Bikini Set

Reclaimed Vintage Inspired Geo Print Bikini Set
this Groovy Baby

Asos Reclaimed Vintage Inspired Geo Print Bikini Set

Now 38% Off
Credit: Courtesy

Send peace, love, and all the positive vibes everywhere you go in this groovy, geo-print bikini.

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this Belted beauty

PQ Swim Link Belted One Piece Swimsuit

Link Belted One Piece Swimsuit
this Belted beauty

PQ Swim Link Belted One Piece Swimsuit

Credit: Courtesy

This gorgeous blue one-piece is sleek and racks up instant cool girl points. We're v into that link belt, too.

this glam moment

SAME The Grace Top (Ribbed Black/Cream)

The Grace Top (Ribbed Black/Cream)
this glam moment

SAME The Grace Top (Ribbed Black/Cream)

Credit: Courtesy

Grace Kelly meets Marilyn Monroe with this lady-like black and white set—we are talking ultimate, it-girl beach fit.

This ruched one

Karla Colletto Basics Ruched Swimsuit

Basics Ruched Swimsuit
This ruched one

Karla Colletto Basics Ruched Swimsuit

Credit: Courtesy

'90s Barbie gals, get yourself this cute pink number! (Square necklines were staples then.) This swimsuit features a supportive silent underwire and sculpting side-ruching.

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this Suspender Style

Fleur Du Mal Suspender One Piece Swimsuit

Suspender One Piece Swimsuit
this Suspender Style

Fleur Du Mal Suspender One Piece Swimsuit

Credit: Courtesy

This one-piece features fun suspender-style rings and cutouts to really amp up the '80s workout-meets-beach babe look.

this Pin-up feel

Joanie Clothing Coralie Polka Dot Print Halter Neck Adjustable Swimsuit

Coralie Polka Dot Print Halter Neck Adjustable Swimsuit
this Pin-up feel

Joanie Clothing Coralie Polka Dot Print Halter Neck Adjustable Swimsuit

Now 29% Off
Credit: Courtesy

This highly-rated swimsuit features a sweetheart neckline, ruched padded cups, and bum coverage. It's the classic polka-dot fashion bombshell feel you've been waiting for!

this disco babe

CIN CIN Disco Hoop One Piece

Disco Hoop One Piece
this disco babe

CIN CIN Disco Hoop One Piece

You'll tap into eclectic vibes wherever you are in this fun print! Throw on your favorite oversized sunnies and transport back to the '70s in no time!

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this ruffle-y option

Unique Vintage White Shirred Skirt Swim Bottom

White Shirred Skirt Swim Bottom
this ruffle-y option

Unique Vintage White Shirred Skirt Swim Bottom

Now 66% Off
Credit: Courtesy

Bring all the drama to the beach with some ruffle action! This solid, white bikini is fully lined and sure to bring out your flirty side.

this darling Swim Dress

ModCloth Let Fun Bloom One-Piece Swimsuit

Let Fun Bloom One-Piece Swimsuit
this darling Swim Dress

ModCloth Let Fun Bloom One-Piece Swimsuit

Now 12% Off
Credit: Courtesy

This one boasts a scoop neckline and full-coverage bottoms with a darling A-line dress silhouette. Complete with an all over '70s-inspired bouquet print, this breezy style is ready to make a splash!

Headshot of Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Fashion Editor

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn

Lettermark

Laynie Rouch is the Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan where she has a hand in all things fashion. She covers the Scandinavian, Australian and Asian markets as well as homeware, denim, lingerie, and swimwear. In between editorial shoots she contributes to shopping pages and trend roundups online. Laynie has previously worked for Harper’s BAZAAR and InStyle Magazine. Find her on Instagram and follow along!  

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