Vintage Swimsuits - 1975

In 1975, the news in swimsuits is new lighter-weight Lycra fabrics that were used to great advantage in sleek maillots and daringly bare bikinis. Even the bathing cap is new in thin rubber that shapes to the head. The first 4 photos were taken at the East 23rd Street swimming pool in New York City, which is still in operation today.

At left: Jean-Louis Scherrer white lycra maillot. Sold for $165 in 1975 (about $674 in today's dollar).
At right: Stephen Burrows white nylon/lycra suit with sheer sides and back. Sold for $38 in 1975 (about $155 in today's dollar).

At top: Sirena black lycra bikini with a halter top. Sold for $18 in 1975 (about $74 in today's dollar).
At bottom: Missoni purple and white stripe cotton knit bikini and cover-up skirt. Set sold for $250 in 1975 (about $1021 in today's dollar).

At left: Catalina blue and black stripe maillot in nylon/lycra blend. Sold for $26 in 1975 (about $106 in today's dollar).
At right: Catalina uses the same stripe fabric combined with solid black in a bikini. Sold for $18 in 1975 (about $74 in today's dollar).

At left: White stretch terry t-shirt and shorts cover-up by Lois Anderson for Tannerway. Set sold for $38 in 1975 (about $155 in today's dollar).
At right: Christian Dior for Saks Fifth Avenue red strapless nylon/lycra bikini. Sold for $35 in 1975 (about $143 in today's dollar).

What do you wear with your swimsuit? How about this embroidered raffia bag with matching wedge sandals by Charles Jourdan, also from 1975.

First 4 photos by Deborah Turbeville, last photo by Rudolph Haussaine.