Vintage Swimsuits-a-go-go!

Readers, you know how I am: once I get an idea in my head I can't let it go.  My new obsession is the swimsuit pattern above, McCall's 3165, which I bought yesterday on Etsy for $12 (mine comes in a slightly more beaten up envelope) -- quite cheap for this type of thing.

What's amazing about this pattern, which dates from 1955, is how closely it resembles the famous (OK, I admit, I only discovered it yesterday) Rose Marie Reid Hourglass Maillot swimsuit.  I'm not making accusations, but somebody copied somebody.

Ever the obsessive online researcher, and now with a Pinterest account in my arsenal, I quickly created a Vintage Swimsuit Project board to assemble my data, which can be viewed here.

Friends, what do you think of those little ruched hips, or bloomer-like "bubble" bottoms, or whatever you wish to call them?  Is this a flattering look?   It certainly allows room for redundant flesh, a term I learned watching those plastic surgery consultations in episodes of Extreme Makeover.  The other term I learned from that makeover-with-scalpels reality show is reveal used as a noun, as in, It's almost time for the big reveal!

Anyway, another strange feature of the Rose Marie Reid Hourglass Maillot is that it is boned -- you don't think those models looked that way naturally, do you?

Here's an hourglass maillot for sale on Etsy, which also boasts a peek-a-boo bust shelf.  (I don't think the McCall's pattern includes that but one can dream.)  What's nice about the shelf is you can pick up some hot dogs at the snack shack and still have your hands free for Cokes.

Here's another version, without the shelf.

I am so excited about this suit that I may suggest Cathy's doctor induce labor early -- we want to fit this outfit in while the weather is warm.

Now, as always, there is another option.  Before I stumbled upon McCall's 3165, I had already purchased Advance 2467.  Clearly this is an early Forties bathing suit, and it comes complete with hooded topper/beach cover up.  It's adorable and so reminiscent of actress Marsha Hunt in casual beach attire.

The jacket is also similar to Lana Turner's in The Postman Always Rings Twice, though Lana's has lapels.  Can you imaging toting those shoulder pads to the beach?

In closing, readers, which swimsuit do you prefer, the Fifties McCall's or the Forties Advance?   I'm partial to the McCall's Hourglass Maillot knock-off (or inspiration, as the case may be) though, let's face it, Cathy is less an hourglass than a grandfather clock.  The boning should help.

How about that ruched tush (say that ten times fast) -- would you be caught dead in it?

Have a great weekend everybody!