Hush Hush.......It's a Cover-up

No not a political cover-up but a swimsuit cover up. From almost the beginning of swimsuit's there have been swimsuit covers. Part for modesty, part for sun protection and part just because it made a prettier presentation.

Here are just a few actual cover ups that I have found. Some are the actual garment and some are Magazine articles and advertisements and there are even a couple of patterns for you to make your own swimsuit and cover-up.


This little organdy skirt is featured in a 1951 Holiday Magazine article 5 page Fashion spread from 1951 showing the latest in bathing suit fashions. Designers included are Tina Leser, Carolyn Schnurer, Annis Originals, Sea Nymph, Caltex, Bestlyne, Cole of California, Rose Marie Reid, Jantzen, Mabs of Hollywood, Sacony and Gantner.



Men also had their Matching sets often called Cabana Sets. Colorful vintage McGregor sportswear ad from 1948. Ad shows several different styles of sportswear for men and promotes "Sun Sets" a brilliant new color achievement in teamed water suits.


Fun Novelty Print Vintage 50s Swimsuit Cover-Up From The Lucite Box

This cotton swim cover-up is so adorable. It's from the 50s and features a print of moustached bathers, lady sunbathers and beach umbrellas. (We like the old-timey swimwear these characters from 1915 are wearing.) The short little jacket is lined in white terry cloth and has two slash pockets. It's got a cute sailor collar. It slides over your swimsuit easily as there are no closures. It looks like this has seldom if ever been worn.



Beach dress in two lengths, two piece bathing suit & hat. The sleeveless beach dress tied at shoulders is gathered to yoke and has lowered round neckline and optional purchased belt. View 1 is regular length. View 2 is above knee length. Lined, two piece bathing suit has bra top with back button closing, and shorts with elastic waistline and leg casings. The lined hat has a large brim that may be worn turned back! 1967




Back buttoned bra, dart fitted pants or shorts with center back zipper, and sleeveless, seven panel princess dress or top buttoned at back. Bra is interfaced and faced with self fabric. Back opening of dress or top and pants or shorts waistband are interfaced. Dress has applied bow at top of vent in left front seam. 1965

Vintage 70's Bright DeWeese Design Blouse Cover-up S From Glamoursurf

Vintage 70's DeWeese Design Bright print blouse top swimsuit coverup beachwear, size Small. This most likely had a matching swimsuit at one point. Nice bright all over print in shades of pink, orange, goldenrod, lavender and rust. Self fabric covered button front closure. Shirt cover up is in excellent vintage condition. No fiber content tags, we believe this to be a nylon spandex blend.


Vintage 1940s Blue Coral Terry Cloth Beach Bolero Cape



Vintage 1940s Mustard Yellow Chenille Beach Cape Large




Vintage 1940s Chenille Beach Cape w Fish Medium

Newspaper Archives show ads in 6/1939 and 8/1939. $1.95 - 5.95 Polly Prentiss beachwear 1/4 off! Tufted chenille jackets, capes, boleros and long beach coats. And this one is a BEAUTY! 3 little fish blow bubbles over waves of the ocean.