Shopping for swimwear

/ Fashion / , , , / 1 Comment

As anyone who follows me on Facebook will know, I have been on a hunt for swimwear this week. There is a fast approaching trip to Thailand coming up, and I have my heart set on finding a sixties-style bikini. A BIG thanks to everyone on Facebook who answered my query about where to buy vintage swimwear!

I like this style because one, it covers more ‘blobby bits’ than an average bikini; and two, because I think they are gorgeous. Something red with polka dots would suit me nicely!

But this brings up the question: would you buy second-hand undergarments?

I’m not going to lie, I’ve bought some cool undergarments secondhand. My most notable purchase was probably a brand new Christian Dior bikini about a year ago from the Sacred Heart on Inkerman Street.

 

 

 

I generally only buy second hand swimwear that still has it’s tags though. In other words, things that have never been worn. I know some people would still find even the thought of that gross.

So, I thought I’d check out some of the suggestions people made on Facebook. I’m going to add in here at this point that I can’t sew beyond basic mending and repairs – if anyone is interested in refashioning or making their own bikini, Erica from Recycled Fashion did a great post on transforming an old bra into a bikini top here.

The first suggestion was Etsy. It was here that I discovered that you can actually order hand-made bikinis. In the spirit of Buy Nothing New Month, this seems like an appropriate alternative. There were also some beautiful vintage pieces from the sixties through to eighties.

 

This image is of the DIXIE Retro Country Gingham Bikini Top. Click on the image to go to the website.

 

 

This image is of the Skipper Super High Waisted Red Sailor Bikini Bottom. Click on the image to view the website.

 

Some of my friends suggested trying Seafolly, Tigerlily, Cotton On or Target. Now, while I love these stores, I’m trying to look for a less ‘mass produced’ road to walk down. I also have the problem with most modern bikinis that one half is almost always either too small or too big. The designers seem to imagine that no one has a booty anymore. I’m sorry, but I have more than two inches between my hips and legs.

If I was buying new, I think I liked the collections at Seafolly the best. They had a couple of nice vintage-looking styles. The prices are a little out of my league though.

 

This image is of a bikini set from Seafolly. Click on the image to view the outfit at their online store.

 

 

 

This image is of a bikini set from Seafolly. Click on the image to view the outfit at their online store.

 

 

So, where else did I look? Fanny’s Flat Vintage Boutique recommended My Sister Pat. I really liked their swimwear, although the pricing here is also a little steep. Everything is hand made in Australia, though – so you’re probably getting what you pay for.

 

This bikini is the Sophia (M). It was my favourite on the site for $180, and you can click the image to see it for yourself.

 

 

Red Cross on Bridge Road also suggested I should go into their store to check out the stock. I’m very tempted – I do prefer to try before I buy, much as I love looking at all of these pretty bikinis online.

But if I don’t find anything locally, I think I’ll have to go with Etsy. I’d prefer to spend under $100 if possible – and I like the idea of matching the polka dot top with the high-waisted shorts (pictured above).

Look out, Thailand! A polka-dotted curvaceous lady is coming your way.

 

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