18 products
Esther Williams Retro Swimwear
We carry vintage style swimsuits & bikinis from the American brand Esther Williams Swimwear.
Since 1988, Esther Williams Swimwear has been creating swimsuits and high-waisted bikinis in classic 1940s / 1950s style, for women around the world!
Since 1988, Esther Williams Swimwear has been creating swimsuits and high-waisted bikinis in classic 1940s / 1950s style, for women around the world!
The fact that Esther Williams swimwear has become so famous is of course due to the exceptionally high quality and fantastic fit. The construction and fit of the swimsuits work for all figures and body types. The swimsuits & bikinis are molded, and the strong and comfortable material really holds the shapes, so you don't feel "naked" in any way. At the same time, you can move freely when you swim - this also applies to large-breasted women who are otherwise not into halter necks!
Esther Williams – The Million Dollar Mermaid
Esther Williams was born in 1921 and was a great swimming icon of the 40s and 50s. She started her career as a competitive swimmer in Los Angeles, where she set several records, including swimming butterfly - a style that at the time was otherwise only swam by men! She was selected to participate in the 1940 Olympics in Japan, but due to World War II, the Games were canceled and her swimming career was put on involuntary pause. Esther Williams was discovered by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studios by swimming in Billy Rose's Aquacade, a spectacular show alongside Tarzan star Johnny Weissmuller.
MGM wanted Williams on the big screen in the new film genre Aquamusicals, which were a mixture of film and water show, consisting of spectacular synchronized swimming and diving.
MGM wanted Williams on the big screen in the new film genre Aquamusicals, which were a mixture of film and water show, consisting of spectacular synchronized swimming and diving.
In 1943, Williams made her feature film debut in Andy Hardy's Double Life, where she starred alongside Mickey Rooney. A few small roles and two years later she got her first lead role in the Aquamusical Bathing Beauty, and from there her career as an actress really took off. The acting career peaked in 1952 with the film The Million Dollar Mermaid, in which Williams starred as Annette Kellermann, an Australian swimmer who became world famous in the 1800s for her skills. And she kept the nickname for the rest of her life.
1952 was also the year Williams became acquainted with design for the first time. During the recording for the film Skirts Ahoy, she had discovered that the bathing suits that were part of the female navy uniform were made of thin cotton, were shapeless and, on the whole, impractical for women. She decided to do something about it, and arranged a meeting with the Navy, where she personally displayed a Cole swimsuit and explained how the Cole swimsuit was far more practical for their female recruits - immediately after the meeting, 50,000 were ordered bathing suits!
In the following years, Williams played several leading roles, but in 1963 she retired from acting. She had secured her old age by investing in several different enterprises. That's why she jumped at the chance when, in 1988, she was offered to put her name to a retro-inspired swimwear line, on the condition that she helped design them herself!
Esther Williams Swimwear quickly became a popular brand among women worldwide, due to the amazing construction and fit that allows all women to feel like mermaids in the water!
Swimwear from Esther Williams in 40s / 50s vintage style
The Esther Williams swimsuit
The beautiful one-piece vintage swimsuit from Esther Williams has an incredibly flattering fit. It leans on the vintage bathing suits as you see them in the 1940s and 1950s, on e.g. pinup girls and Hollywood stars. Think the well-known Betty Grable pinup photos from World War II, or the many beautiful photos of Marilyn Monroe. It's the ultimate retro swimsuit. The suit has a halter neck and soft pleats at the front as well as a small skirt. In addition, there are soft cups that gently hold the bust in place. This style suits all body shapes and is super flattering. We have it in many sizes from size small to 5x-large and in lots of colors and prints, so you can be sure that there is always a vintage swimsuit that suits your body type and unique personality!
A vintage swimsuit is so flattering and iconic in its expression that you will feel beautiful and sexy at the same time. It is a fantastic alternative to the bikini.
Mondo Kaos carries the iconic swimsuit in several different colors, including polka dots, Hawaiian print, yellow/white gingham check, pure sapphire blue and emerald green, and of course the classic cherry print!
Bikinis from Esther Williams
The fantastic vintage bikinis from Esther Williams are also very similar to those we know from the pinup girls. They have the perfect vintage pin-up vibe. They suit all body shapes and figures and are incredibly flattering. They are made from a smooth fabric of the finest quality and the top has soft cups with reinforced sides. It has a beautiful adjustable halter neck so you can adjust it perfectly to your bust and figure.
The bikini bottom is in true vintage style, it has a timeless vintage shape with a high waist that creates the perfect hourglass figure, as well as covering the stomach so you don't feel naked. Light pleats at the sides give a comfortable look and flatter the hip area without feeling constricted.
You'll look great in a vintage bikini whether you're sunbathing by the pool or taking a dip!
One of the things we love about Esther Williams swimwear is that the swimwear really holds everything so securely in place that they are not only perfect for the swim but can easily be brought to the beach bar or lunch with, for example, a pair of shorts or a skirt over it. Of course, you can also easily throw a summer swing dress over your Esther Williams swimsuit when you need to continue from the beach.
You can be inspired by coming down to the store or see more online.
You can also see our selection of beautiful vintage style bathing caps that hold your hairstyle while you take a dip.
Visit us in the store in Copenhagen.
Do you have any questions about our vintage swimwear?
In the store, we are all passionate clothing and dress lovers, and will do everything we can to help you find the perfect bathing suit in classic, feminine vintage style.
At Mondo Kaos, our first priority is always happy customers. So if you have any questions, whatsoever, about our range of vintage swimwear, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can advantageously write your question to shop@mondokaos.dk, where we endeavor to respond within one working day.
You are also of course always welcome here in the store.