Sexy 1960s Swimsuits for Women | Your Retro Swimwear Inspo
This post may contain affiliate links
1960s swimwear aesthetic including chic one-piece swimsuits and 1960s swimsuit bikinis, as worn by fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Raquel Welch
Ready to dive into the ocean of 1960s glam swimsuits?
The vibrant swimsuits of the decade mirrored the 1960s bipolar fashion trend of opposites.
The first category of "In" of swimsuit styles were timeless designs inspired by the 1950s.
Think classy, chic, and feminine.
The stunning Audrey Hepburn, the curvy Sophia Lauren, and the film star Natalie Wood all gorgeously modeled these styles.
The second "In" fashions were the bold trendy "mod styles" of the new generation.
This trailblazing modern clothing style embraced the new, risqué and crazy.
Think edgy bright colors, weird geometric designs, experimental materials, and showing more skin.
The infamous 1960s Bond Girls (Femme Fatales) and the iconic 60s sex symbols and actresses, from Marilyn Monroe, to Brigitte Bardot, to Jane Mansfield, to Raquel Welch, all wore these new trendy styles.
Category 1: 50s Inspired Swimsuit Styles
The first category of 1960s swimsuits are those inspired by the 1950s styles.
These styles flattered the female silhouette and were more along the lines of 'showing less is more'.
Think chic one-pieces swimsuits or full coverage two piece styles in timeless and feminine prints.
1960s Swimsuit Style: One Piece
This 1950s inspired swimsuit style was characterized by a figure flattering cut in a fun feminine print or a solid color.
To secret to channel this stunning overall silhouette is a supportive bra with bra cups and boning for bust support.
Notice how this classy style flatters the curves and is comfy, without showing much skin.
Sophia Lauren (top left) loved the classic one piece swimsuit style. Talk about taking the 'little black suit' to a whole new level!
Notice the 50s fashion inspiration from the wider shoulder straps, flattering bust and curves support, and to the modest, yet feminine cut.
The classy one piece black swimsuit was also a favorite look from one of our beloved fashion icons, Audrey Hepburn. (top right)
Check out her simple chic swimsuit cover up! It's just a classic button-up blouse, and of course, leave it to Audrey to wear ballet flats with her swimsuit.
“I’d much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0.”
For more Audrey Hepburn swim inspiration:
7 Vintage Audrey Hepburn Swimsuit Looks to Inspire Your Next Vacation
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: One Piece - Pastel colors, Belts & Buttons
Pastel vibes anyone?
We are in love with these 1960s pastel styles that are oh so feminine and ooze Old Hollywood glamour.
These chic modest and classy swimsuit styles are clearly 50s inspired.
Belts and buttons were another popular one piece swimsuit style in the 1960s, that was influenced by the previous decade.
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: One Piece - "Mini Skirt Style" or “Swimdresses”
The one-piece super short “mini skirt” swimsuit style was hugely popular not only in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, but it continued to be a favorite falling into the classy style category in the 1960s.
Notice the variety of fabrics and fun colors and patterns to choose from.
Part of the reason it’s stayed in style is the flattering silhouette it provides.
Talk about making memories in flip-flops.... and mini skirts!
Looking for a barbie inspired style?
You'll love the pastel pink swim dress with the layers of ruffles!
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: Two Piece Suits "Tankini" Style
This classy 50s inspired swimsuit style is the vintage version of today’s tankini.
Notice how these adorable two-piece 1960s bathing suit styles have full coverage, but also super chic and fashionable.
Audrey Hepburn's look screams ‘French Vibes,’ (top right) while Natalie Wood's two piece with the wrapped front style nails the alluring ‘Girl Next Door.’ (top left)
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: Two Piece Suits - Full Coverage Bikini Styles
The bikini, which started out as a full coverage two-piece suit and came into style in the 1950s, was around to stay by the 1960s.
In the ‘60s the bikinis started showing more skin, notably the belly button which wasn’t common in the 1940s and 1950s.
In general, these adorable 50s inspired two piece bikinis have fuller coverage styles, from their bra tops and bottoms.
Category 2: Bold Trendy New Generation "Mod Styles"
Buckle up, as it's to move into the second category of 1960s swimsuits.
These were the daring trendy new generation mod styles that went crazy with experimentation with fabric materials, colors and patterns, and showing more skin.
Although the introduction of the bikini had occurred in the 1930s, yet the 1960s fashion rebel style, bikinis became even smaller. Say hello to the microbikini and string bikini!
And not only did one piece swimsuit cuts become revealing -- think higher cut legs, and lower bustlines, but the infamous... drumroll... monokini was introduced!
What was it? It was a mix between a one-piece and a bikini, with cutouts to bare more skin.
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: One Piece Transitional / Blend Across Two Categories
The first one piece style that falls into the 1960s "mod style" is a transitional one piece.
We're dubbing this one transitional since it blends across the two swimsuit categories of the deck.
Also, check out the lavish bathing hair caps the perfectly match the swimsuits.
These helped keep those elaborate 60s hairstyles in place.
Above, Gina Lollobrigida wears a one piece swimsuit in the 1964 movie Woman of Straw.
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: One Piece Suits - Mod Style Colors & Cut
In the 1964 Goldfinger, the curvy Margaret Nolan lathers 007 with sunscreen, while wearing a very mod ‘60s one-piece.
Notice the deep scoop neckline and and bright swirling tie die fabric.
The mod style centered around tweaking the existing, so showing more skin and going crazy experimental with fabric and colors patterns was hot.
We're just waiting for Bond’s cocktail order....
“I’ll have a vodka martini - shaken, not stirred.”
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: Two Piece Suits - Full Coverage Bikini Styles
Jane Mansfield was an American actress, pinup model, sex symbol, and real life femme-fatale in the 1950s and early 1960s.
Her swimsuit fashion definitely falls into the 1960s mod style category of “there is no such thing as too short”.
What do you think of the monokini?
This bold one-piece style centers attention on daring cutouts. (below left)
“I like being a pin-up girl. There’s nothing wrong with it.”
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: Two Piece Suits - Crazy Patterns & Boy Shorts
Two piece swimsuits that paired boyshorts in bizarre colors (and soft fabric types) with bikini style tops were another popular mod style swimsuit.
Just check out the style experimentation cooking up on those 1960s beaches!
Check out those bright and vibrant color combinations of plaids, stripes, and terry cloth textures!
Audrey Hepburn isn't afraid to show some skin in her vintage candy stripe swimsuit. (below left)
Love boyshorts, but don't think the other colors are dramatic enough to grab attention?
Maybe this two pice neon colored separates are just your thing! (below right)
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: One Piece Suits - Terry Cloth, Rope Details, Metallics
In keeping with the experimental vein mod styles of 1960s, fashion designers loved playing with different textures.
Looking to score with a unique piece from the trendsetting swimwear styles?
Check out these bold pattern and shimmery metallic designs.
Beach vibes and shimmery waves inbound!
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: Two Piece Suits - The "Itsy Bitsy" in Classic Colors
Who better to model the itsy bitsy skin baring two piece classic black bikini than our favorite blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe? (below left)
Marilyn Monroe is posing for her photographer hubby (Arthur Miller) in front of a dressing room at her film studio, after working on the movie Let's Make Love.
Fun fact! Even though Marilyn Monroe is famous for her many pinup styles and bikini shots earlier in her career, especially in the 1940s-1950s, in the 1960s she was rarely photographed in swimsuits, as she wanted to be taken seriously as an actress, and not just be known for her iconic curves.
For more Marilyn Monroe swimwear inspiration:
15 Sexy Marilyn Monroe Bikini Outfits | Your Sizzling Retro Swimwear Guide
The mod bikini style in the smash hit James Bond 007 "Dr. No" is one of the most famous bikinis of all time. (top right) And it is a look that is still popular and fashion forward today.
The 1962 Bond Girl, Ursula Andress, set pulses racing, cast opposite the suave Sean Connery.
"She created the look of the Bond Girl....The two-piece with the halter and the knife in it? It completely sold the movie. She’s emerging from the water, her hair is all wet and she has that killer bone structure. It just said one thing — danger." -- David Wills.
Fun fact!
This Swiss actress and model credited her sizzling swimsuit for igniting her career and catapulting her to stardom.
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: Fur micro-bikinis and prints
The gorgeous Raquel Welch and the French bombshell Brigitte Bardot helped popularize the itsy bitsy bikini in the 1960s. Notice the how the longer strap length bares more skin and curves.
"[Raquel Welch] had it all–grace, glamor, and grit in a goddess' body” -- Darren Julien
Raquel Welch looks sexy, ferocious (and kinda funny) in this iconic 1960s fur bikini shot. (top left)
Talk about mod 1960s style in full swing -- a super revealing bikini in experimental fabrics. This famous look was memorialized in the 1966 adventure fantasy One Million Years B.C.
Jayne Mansfield also bares more skin in her micro bikinis. (top right)
1960s Swimsuit Fashion: String Bikini
And of course, the oh so skimpy string bikini was a popular 1960s mod style.
Just check out all of the trendsetting swimwear collection of these ladies! it ranges from the hippie knitted style, to the vivid stripes (Bridgitte Bardot), to endless bold variations flaunted by the Martine Beswick in Thunderball.
5 Tips for Finding The Perfect 1960s Swimsuit / How to Dress Vintage Modern:
#1. Determine Which 1960s Style is Most Flattering for Your Body Type
Understand what works best for your shape and your personal style. In other words, what styles best embodies you, and your essence.
Have fun and experiment with different styles to discover what gives you that retro wow factor. If you can’t resist a 60s pinup girl pose pose, you know you’ve nailed it!
#2. Make Sure the Fit is Perfect!
Grab a flexible measuring tape and get the exact measurements of your own body. This is key is finding the perfect fit to hug your curves for a stunning overall silhouette.
#3. Play Detective and Think Outside the Box In Your Search
Sometimes the best vintage garments are hidden in places you least expect! Now that you know the 1960s swimsuit style elements, you'll spot these iconic styles everywhere, from your favorite online marketplace, to the big box store, to your local boutique.
Also check out shops with unique vintage clothing, like Etsy or a local thrift store. These are often treasure troves for vintage garments. For second hand items or pre-owned clothing, check carefully for small flaws or visible flaws, and minor signs of use.
Make sure you understand the return policies.
#4. Consider Your Lifestyle Needs
Will you be lounging by the pool, hitting the surf, or swimming laps? How you will use the swimsuit is key to making sure you get a swimsuit that is stylish and comfy, not matter what adventure lies ahead.
The post was all about 1960s Swimsuits
Now that you’re in a beachy state of mind, time to find some sparkling cold water and play mermaid.
Which 1960s styles are your favorites?
Do you prefer the 50s inspired looks of the 60s, or more trendy mod styles?
Other vintage swimwear posts you might like:
1940s Swimsuits - Welcome the Bikini and other Retro Bathing Suit Styles
1930s Swimsuits: Vintage Swimwear & Bathing Styles
How to Rock the Vintage Swimsuit Aesthetic like an Old Hollywood Glam Star
7 Vintage Fashion Grace Kelly Swimsuit Outfits - For Your Hottest Retro Swimwear Look