Making a Retro Swimsuit – Two Piece

I finished my retro two-piece over the weekend, which is an absolute wonder considering the hotel that was housing all of our wedding guests betrayed me and I spent a good deal of time sobbing and searching for a new hotel.  Not to worry though, I have everything under control (and soon that hotel will feel my wrath).  Moving on to happier things, here’s the suit, and I love it!

As I mentioned earlier, I went with a modern lycra fabric (as opposed to something heavier and more historically accurate), and I do not regret that decision at all.  The suit is much more comfortable, but still offers support and coverage and looks very vintage, I think.  I used a 1950s pattern for the top and added underwire cups.  For the bottoms, I started with a 1970s pattern (what I had on hand) – raised the waistline, lowered the legs and added a ruched panel.

This project was so much fun, I want to make a ton of them.  Too bad I’m not much of a swimmer and my fair skin can’t handle sun exposure.  *sigh*  I guess I’ll just have to lounge under an umbrella and drink cocktails instead . . .