Vintage 1952 Cole of California Swimwear: Heavenly Bodies

Vintage swimsuits by Cole of California have wonderful details and design. This set from 1952 is featured as "Heavenly Bodies". Both show lines of elastic shirring in the back panel (which probably has a center zipper as well). The front is probably darted, lined and has boning to create the corset shaping. The bright print with cuffed sweet heart edge are classic to the era. From the ad details:

Swimsuits designed to make any "body" more heavenly. One conceals, one reveals.
Left, the slim-skirted wonder of the year. Wraps around to adjust to almost any figure and sleek away inches.
Right, molded version to dreamline your curves.
In vibrant fine cottons, elasticized with Matletex.
Each $12.95 at fine stores.

Here's a closer view to show off that great look.  The strapless fitted style has a sheath front for modesty, and there is shirring across the 'tummy' area.  The wrap skirt style has a similar bodice but probably has shorts under that skirt.

Vintage 1950s Swimwear: Surf Togs and Beaunit Fabric

Vintage 1950's swimwear owes it's molded, corset style to great innovations in textiles suitable for beach and pool. One brand, Beaunit Fabric, produced fashionable satins that could stretch by using elastic fibers.

This industry ad from a spring 1951 issue of "California Stylist" also promotes the "Surf Tog" label, showing a princess seam line strapless swimsuit that would have had a zipper down the center back. It has dress maker details including a cuffed sweet heart neckline with bow and a modest sheath skirt to cover the upper leg.

Vintage Swimwear: 1951 Carribean Collection by Catalina

Vintage swimwear by Catalina are classics.  In the 1950's, bold new designs were created for collections that this California label produced to attract a sun loving customer. In 1951 the "Carribean* collection" showed sea themed graphics on their daring strapless one piece stretch swimsuits, along with other styles including men's trunks to match.

Go Carribean* with Catalina!
...Catalina's new Carribean* collection, beautiful new designs, gay sun-filled colors, fanciful patterns and fabrics, all created with a true Carribbean flavor!

shown:
STAR FISH fanciful design hand-printed on knitted two-way stretch Celanese, Lastex and Nylon.
Features Catalina's new patented POWERLIFT bra. Exciting Carribean* colors.
Matching men's STAR FISH trunk.
"as featured in LIFE"

California Stylist, Spring 1951

What's not to love with this early 1950's California swim suit. This wildly popular motif has been well documented, but I felt it was right for a re-visit this summer. Perhaps we are ready once more for bold accent patterns on the front of our maillot swim suits, along with a cute version for the man in our life (or not).

This ad boasted a contest to promote the new "Carribean* collection", and was also advertised in "Life" magazine. This ad was seen in "California Stylist", an industry magazine geared towards wholesale buyers looking at California labels to stock their retail stores across the U.S.



Catalina History review: HERE