London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, Mar 21, 2026

From the Archives: Swimwear Style Inspiration By the Decade

From the Archives: Swimwear Style Inspiration By the Decade

Sunshine and sea-filled summer days are nearly upon us; stay cute and cool this upcoming season with swimwear inspiration from the best vintage swim styles from the pages of L’OFFICIEL throughout the years.

As spring dwindles down to its last days and a much-needed release from stay-at-home style grows nearer, we’ve rounded up some of the hottest swimwear trends of decades past in honor of summer’s imminent arrival. From little black bikinis to monochromatic one-pieces and mix-and-matched styles, these vintage L’OFFICIEL swimwear photos have got you covered for your next ocean getaway (or poolside break!).

1920s




Tap into the swim silhouettes of the 1920s, which exemplified playful effortlessness without compromising femininity and sophistication-a perfect fit for this century’s (hopefully soon-to-be) roaring ‘20s, as well.

1930s




Fun in the sun is made even easier with wearable, fuss-free one-piece suits, which easily become multi-purpose pieces when paired with a skirt and worn as a top, as demonstrated in the Nina Ricci advertisement above.

1940s




Seeking fuller-coverage swimwear that still has curve-accentuating capacities? Look no further than the sweetheart-neckline, high-waisted suits of the ‘40s.

1950s




Ruffles, ruching, and midriffs, oh my-elevate your poolside style and get inspired by the timeless elegance of the refined swimwear fashions of the 1950s.

1960s




There’s an undeniable optimism in the eccentricity of a metallic swimsuit. Drop the subtlety this summer and make a splash with bold, retro, and certifiably Instagram-worthy swimwear.

1970s




Sex, drugs, and colorblocking-pay homage to the ‘70s and catch some rays in a geo-print, multi-colored suit this summer.

1980s




Opt for celebratory brights and nostalgic patterns in a nod to the polka-dotted, asymmetrical suits of the ‘80s.

1990s




Allow yourself a Baywatch moment and dip into the must-have, high-legged one-piece suits of the ‘90s. If that’s not your speed, not to worry-try a high-waisted bikini and embellish your look with a chunky statement necklace to top it off, instead.

2000s




The art of the barely-there bikini is one that will simply never die. Channel your inner Xtina and indulge in a micro-bikini this summer and every summer to come (it’s only right).

2010s




The 2010s ushered in more diversified swimwear offerings than ever before. Whether it be a micro-bikini, a halter-neck suit, or a strapless one-piece, make a statement and strut your stuff in the silhouettes you feel most comfortable in.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Meghan Markle’s Possible UK Return Sparks Renewed Attention on Sussex Role
Starmer Convenes Urgent Talks on Cost-of-Living Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
Starmer Convenes Urgent Talks on Cost-of-Living Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
UK Investors Eye Bargain Shares Ahead of ISA Deadline Amid Market Volatility
UK Investors Eye Bargain Shares Ahead of ISA Deadline Amid Market Volatility
Northern Lights Expected Over UK Skies Tonight Amid Strong Solar Activity
UK Condemns Iran Missile Strike and Warns Against Threats to British Personnel
UK Warns of Global Flight Disruptions as Iran Conflict Escalates Under Trump’s Leadership
UK Condemns Iran After Missile Strike Targets Strategic Diego Garcia Base
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak in UK Reinforces Urgency of Vaccination Campaigns
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
UK Rules Out Cyprus Base Role in Joint US Self-Defence Framework
UK Ends Hereditary Peerage Rights in Parliament in Historic Constitutional Reform
Lord Walney Warns of Expanding Iranian Influence Networks Within the United Kingdom
Iranian National Among Two Arrested After Attempt to Access UK Nuclear Submarine Base
Deregulation, Artificial Intelligence, and Fraud Laws Reshape UK Financial Services Landscape
UK Considers Lower Speed Limits to Reduce Fuel Use Amid Escalating Energy Crisis
UK Borrowing Costs Surge to Post-Crisis High as Markets React to Inflation and War Risks
UK Government Prepares Emergency Economic Measures as Iran Conflict Fuels Financial Risks
Meningitis B Outbreak in the UK Raises Urgent Health Warnings as Cases Surge
Iran Issues Stark Warning to Britain Over US Base Access Amid Expanding Conflict
United Kingdom Authorizes US Strikes from British Bases as Iran Threatens Key Shipping Routes
Reform UK Suspends Scottish Candidate Following Financial Misconduct Allegations
Apple issues an unusual warning: this is how your iPhone can be hacked without you doing anything
UK and Nigeria Reach Agreement to Accelerate Return of Irregular Migrants
UK Sets New Aid Priorities Following Significant Budget Reductions
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
UK Plans 50% Steel Tariffs in Bold Move to Protect Domestic Industry
Iran Conflict Sends Shockwaves Through UK Economy as Energy Costs and Trade Risks Surge
UK Health Officials Warn Kent Meningitis Outbreak Still Active as Cases Continue to Rise
UK Climate Progress Faces Scrutiny Over Reliance on Carbon Accounting Methods
UK Deploys Advisers to United States to Shape Plan for Reopening Strait of Hormuz
Amazon Bets on AI-Driven Alexa Upgrade to Revive UK Smart Speaker Market
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
GB News Faces Regulatory Complaints Over On-Air Remarks on ‘Genocide’ Claims
UK Signals Expanded Support for Gulf Allies as Iranian Attacks Intensify Regional Threats
UK VAT Decision Opens Path for Potential Refunds to U.S. Biopharma Firms
UK and Canada Advance ‘Middle Power’ Strategy to Shape Global Influence Beyond Superpowers
Google Explores AI Opt-Out Features in Search to Address UK Regulatory Concerns
Google Explores AI Opt-Out Features in Search to Address UK Regulatory Concerns
UK Fuel Prices Poised to Surge as Global Tensions Drive Oil Market Volatility
UK Fuel Prices Poised to Surge as Global Tensions Drive Oil Market Volatility
UK Holds Back on Hormuz Escort Mission While Continuing Talks with Allies
TrumpRx Pricing Platform Faces Scrutiny as Some Medicines Remain Costlier Than in the UK
UK, Netherlands and Finland Explore Joint Defence Investment Bank to Boost Military Capability
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak in Kent Raises Alarm as Cases Surge and Emergency Response Expands
UK Security Adviser Viewed US-Iran Nuclear Deal as Within Reach Before Sudden Escalation
×