Kitten D'Amour Vintage-Style Swimsuits: Just Add Water!

Grab your sun hats, Kittens, because we're about to take a splashy stroll through the glamorous evolution of women’s swimwear from the 1920s to the 1960s! 

In the roaring ‘20s, swimwear got a much-needed makeover. Gone were the days of heavy, ankle-length bathing gowns. Enter the one-piece suit! With knitted fabrics, women could now frolic freely by the sea—though modesty was still key. These suits, while shorter, featured skirts or shorts to keep things covered.

The 1920s swimsuit captured on a postcard from the era.

The ‘30s saw swimwear slimming down even more, with form-fitting designs that celebrated the female shape. Ribbed midsections and built-in bras made sure every woman felt confident on the sand. Designers started playing with necklines, cutouts, and backless styles, pushing the boundaries of fashion and functionality! 

Then came the 1940s and 1950s—oh, Kittens, this was the golden age! Think curve-hugging silhouettes, waist-cinching belts, and sweetheart necklines that made every woman feel like a Hollywood starlet. Thanks to new stretchy fabrics like Lastex, swimsuits became even more figure-flattering, offering support while accentuating the curves. Swimsuits embraced bold prints and patterns, from playful polka dots to tropical florals, making them not just swimwear but a fashion statement.

Ava Gardner, 1945

And as we saunter into the 1960s, the styles became more daring, reflecting the bold, forward-thinking spirit of the decade. Designers started to play with cuts, and the bikinis began to be de riguer, though the one-piece still held its place as the chic and timeless option.

From boxy to bombshell, the evolution of swimwear has always reflected the times. And those belted one-pieces from the ‘50s? They’re still turning heads today! Whether you're channeling your inner vintage vixen or just looking for something fun and flattering, these styles will have you ready to soak up the sun in serious style.

 Video courtesy of British Pathe

Enter Kitten D’Amour’s Vintage-Style Swimsuits!

Speaking of showstoppers, Kitten D’Amour has captured the essence of vintage glamour with their latest swimsuit collections. Take the 'Tapestry Swimsuit', with its flattering fit, or the wild allure of the 'Queen of the Jungle' Swimsuit, which radiates confidence with its bold patterns. Both designs feature the kind of structured fit and attention to detail that screams vintage pinup style! 

Styling Suggestions for A Vintage Beach Look

Want to make your vintage-inspired swimsuit truly stand out? Start by pairing it with a few classic accessories that channel that retro vibe! A broad sun hat like our 'Riviera' Hat will have you looking effortlessly chic and protect you from those sun rays. Add a scarf around your neck, or even tie it around your hair for that extra touch of glamour. And don’t forget a pair of cat-eye sunglasses such as the ‘D’Amour’ Cat Eye Sunglasses in Classic Black to instantly capture that iconic pin-up girl look. To finish off, add a touch of femininity with some 'Le Fleur' hair flowers – they’re the perfect way to top off your look and add a bit of vintage romance. With these fabulous finishing touches, you'll be ready to step into your very own 1950s Hollywood moment!

Curious about how these swimsuits will flatter your curves? Our very own Kittens of Kitten D'Amour have tried on each of these stunning pieces to give you a real-life peek at the fit. You’ll see exactly how they hug every curve and bring out that classic hourglass silhouette, proving that these designs are made to celebrate all shapes and sizes.

So go ahead, embrace your inner vintage vixen and find your perfect swimsuit fit with a little help from our Kittens!

MANDIE KITTEN (BUST 100CM / WAIST 80CM / HIPS 108CM / HEIGHT: 168 CM)

'Tapestry' Swimsuit (Medium):
Mandie Kitten absolutely adored the ‘Tapestry’ Swimsuit, finding the medium to be a perfect fit. She fell in love with the deep V neckline at the back, and the shoulder straps stayed wonderfully in place – no slipping off her shoulders! The vintage-inspired leg cut added that classic touch, and she simply couldn’t resist the charming ruffle detail. A true vintage delight! 

'Queen of the Jungle' Swimsuit (Medium):
Mandie Kitten simply can't resist a fabulous leopard print and was beyond excited to try on the ‘Queen of the Jungle’ Swimsuit! She's wearing the size Medium in this guide but does suggest sizing up for a bit more room and comfort, especially if you have a fuller bust. Mandie adores the vintage-style leg cut, and that belt? It’s the perfect finishing touch to capture that vintage-inspired pinup glamour!

Leila Kitten (Bust: 105cm / Waist: 77cm / Hip: 105cm / Height: 176cm)

'Queen of the Jungle' Swimsuit (Extra Large):
Leila Kitten opted for a size XL, as she is blessed with a fuller bust, and it turned out to be the perfect fit! The built-in cups offer such wonderful support, and those adjustable straps add just the right amount of extra security and comfort. But her absolute favourite detail has to be the swimming belt – it’s the perfect vintage touch that creates a flattering figure, making her feel fabulous while taking a dip!

'Tapestry' Swimsuit (Large):
Leila found that the size L was the perfect fit for her in this gorgeous design! The deep V-neckline is wonderfully flattering, and she absolutely adores anything with frills – it adds that delightful touch of vintage charm she loves!

Olivia Kitten (Bust: 92cm / Waist: 68cm / Hip: 98cm / Height: 161cm)

'Queen of the Jungle' Swimsuit (Extra Small):
Olivia Kitten is absolutely smitten with this swimsuit – it truly brings out her inner Hollywood starlet! Typically, Olivia is between a size 6 and 8 in our Kitten designs, with a 10E bust. After trying both the small and extra small, she chose the extra small for that extra bit of secure, snug fit. With the warmer weather gracing our southern hemisphere, she simply can't wait to make her grand entrance at the beach!

'Tapestry' Swimsuit (Extra Small):
Olivia slipped into the extra small and found it to be an absolutely divine fit, with the built-in padding in the cups offering that lovely bit of extra support! The charming black ruffle with pink embroidery adds a touch of vintage elegance, while the black belt cinches the waist to create that perfect hourglass silhouette. Simply fabulous!

KAY KITTEN (BUST: 79CM / WAIST: 65.5CM / HIP: 91CM / HEIGHT: 172CM) 

'Queen Of The Jungle' Swimsuit (Extra Small):
Ooh la laaa! Kay felt like a starlet from a 1950s old Hollywood film in the 'Queen of the Jungle' swimsuit. She generally opts for a size 4, and found that the XS fit well. She noted that there was definitely enough support in the bust for her cup size (10B) but would suggest those with bigger busts wear a waterproof sticky bra for extra support! She loved the position of the belt and how it aligned perfectly at her waist, giving that snaaaatched look ! This swimsuit is a standout piece, and you will not regret adding this beautiful design to your summer wardrobe!

'Tapestry' Swimsuit (Extra Small):
Wow! Photos do not do this swimsuit justice. Every person Kay has seen wearing this swimsuit looks absolutely breathtaking in it. Don’t let the deep plunge scare you from this swimsuit, Kay’s assets (the little she has) felt veryyyy secure in this design. She bet she could probably even do an entire Ninja Warrior course in this swimsuit! Going with her usual size XS, she notes that she swimsuit fits perfectly. 

Brooke Kitten (Bust: 101cm / Waist: 86cm / Hip: 104cm / Height: 162cm)

'Tapestry' Swimsuit (Large):
Oh, Kittens, the 'Tapestry' swimsuit is an absolute dream! I found that the size L was just perfect for me – it gave all the support a gal could need, and those gorgeous frills are simply divine. This beauty isn't just for the beach either; pop it on with a fabulous circle skirt, and you’ve got yourself a whole outfit ready for a summer soirée! It's hands down one of my absolute favourites, and I just adore how flattering it is. You’ll feel like a vintage bombshell in this one! 

'Queen of the Jungle' Swimsuit (Extra Large):
The XL was just the ticket for me! The cups fit like a dream, and it hugged my shape beautifully without feeling too snug. And that belt? It’s the cherry on top, giving me that perfectly nipped-in waist and hugging my curves in all the right places. Simply fabulous!

Jess Kitten is wearing a size small in the 'Tapestry Swimsuit'!

Jackie Kitten (Bust 79cm / Waist 71cm / Hips 101cm / Height 164cm)