My New Swimsuit is as Old as My Mother

By Abby

Swimsuit season is in full swing, and I thought I’d mention that being comfortable is more important than having the latest swimwear style. All over the TV, internet and magazines are stick models in the tiniest of bikinis or barely-there one-pieces.

Most women do not look like the models pictured here, so we don’t necessarily look good in the same style swimsuits. I have had the same string bikini since high school and it was time for a change. Since I don’t have the same body I did in high school, I shouldn’t be wearing the same swimsuit. I was uncomfortable in it because it didn’t look good on me anymore.

This season I started hunting for the perfect swimsuit for me. I wanted a one-piece with a skirt. I searched all the nearby stores and found nothing. Sure, I could have found something online, but I actually like going to stores.

Then a couple of weeks ago, I finally found the one! I was walking around Short North in Columbus and stumbled upon Flower Child, a treasure trove of vintage everythings. Hanging on the wall was the swimsuit I’d been searching for. It was perfect. I was so excited when I tried it on and it fit beautifully. I told my husband that I had to have it, and one minute later it was mine, all mine.

Jantzen swimsuit from the late 1960s – early 1970s

I love this swimsuit because you can feel sexy and demure at the same time.

I wore my swimsuit for the first time on our boat last weekend, pairing it with an oversized straw hat and giant sunglasses. It was a Mad Men Moment.