Just for fun, my mom's vintage swimsuit

I was looking for some of my cold-weather gear and ran across a box of things I kept from my late mom's house. This box has been sitting without me opening it, for three years since we sold her house, so I took a deep breath and opened it to see what I'd saved.

Well, there were some totally nostalgic items that would make no sense to anyone but me (1970s print flowered pillowcases that make me think of my childhood), but also some fun things and lovely things that remind me once again that "they just don't make 'em like they used to."

Case in point: this swimsuit. I think my mom wore it when I was still in diapers -- I just turned 47. It is in absolutely beautiful condition! The elastic is still fine, the moulded bra cups do their job just fine. And I love that graphic bird detail! I have suits less than 10 years old that haven't held up so well.

It actually fits me well, although its a little snug in the leg opening -- story of my life. I wonder if there's a way to loosen elastic.

Anybody else have vintage treasures that you don't necessarily wear but couldn't bear to part with?

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13 years ago

harmonica

Veteran

Love the swimsuit! The print and cut looks really great. I have some treasures that I cannot part with and that may not be the best fit. I keep them as treasures. A dress from my mom, worn in the late 1960's and 1970's is not the best fit, but sometimes I take it out to use it as a decorative item

Kirti

(website)

How cool is it that the swimsuit is still in perfect condition!

modgrl

How LOVELY!! Thanks for sharing. I would hold on to it too.

Mary

Member

That suit is so cute! It marries current trends of retro chic with twitter (more like bit torrent but whatever!)

I wonder if you wore it regularly around the house (under a skirt or something) if the elastic would loosen up?

Glory

How lovely. If the legs are not too tight perhaps you could wear a swim skirt with it?

celia

That is a lovely swimsuit and you could wear it now.
I don't know about the elastic but wouldn't you like to keep it as a souvenir?

Janet

Oh, I'm definitely keeping it, regardless of whether I wear it or not.

Now, to figure out what I'm going to do with a dozen midi-length vintage slips. One can only wear so many slips!

Suz

Janet, that is SO pretty. I love it. And love that you kept it!

I have a collection of my mother's slips, too, so I know just what you mean! The way I dealt with this was to keep one at a variety of lengths - one full length, one midi, one knee length, one shorter than knee length. And passed the rest along. I kept one that was in a fun pattern because I remember her wearing it and it's just so pretty in itself. I may never wear it but I will always enjoy looking at it.

Anonymous

I love that, Janet, and I understand why you kept it.

Diana

Oh, I love this and I would totally wear it. I have no idea how one would loosen the leg openings though.

Re: the slips. Are they silk? If so, I think you should keep all of them, because silk slips are SO HARD to find these days. Although maybe you should have a couple of them shortened.

So beautiful. I would keep the silk slips. Vintage silk? I die.

lyn*

Looks so cute! I would totally wear it!

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