Description
This deadstock 1950s swimsuit by Catalina is from their Masterpiece line. 87-percent cotton and 13-percent rubber, the stretchy off-white fabric has a watercolor-style leaves or feathers print in blue and yellow. Never worn with its original hangtag still attached, the swimsuit is labeled a size 16/38B Long (taller size)—which will probably fit more like an average-length size medium, today. The shaped cups of the suit’s shelf bust are lined with white cotton in front only, with an elastic band at the base. The side seams of the bust have boning, as does the back inner panel of the swimsuit, underneath the sturdy metal zipper. The front panel of the suit has diagonal gathers from below the bust down to the modesty panel overskirt, with its straight hem. The under-layer leg openings have strong elastic. Self-fabric piping trims the seams that shape the bust and waist. The straps have 3 buttonholes to adjust length, and can be worn crisscrossed or straight. The gusset is lined with white nylon jersey. This true vintage 1950s pin-up style bathing suit by Catalina fastens with a heavyweight metal zipper in back, as mentioned above, plus hook and eye closures. It is in very good, perfectly wearable condition, unworn, with lots of stretch to the fabric still. There is a line of yellowing along the panel covering the strip of boning underneath the zipper (not seen when worn). Also, there is just a hint of overall yellowing (I think) to what is now an off-white background to the fabric, from its long storage. No other issues to note. Vintage Catalina Masterpiece swimsuits were well-made, of excellent quality materials, and this deadstock 1950s beauty in a desirable size is no exception!
Size: approx. M. Labeled 1950s size 16 38B Long.
- Bust: stretches up to 40 inches easily, 42 inches max. Approx. 38B to C.
- Waist: 27 inches unstretched, stretching up to 32 max.
- Hip: 34 inches unstretched, stretching up to 41 max.
- Length at side seams: 19.5 inches from edge of underarm to hem.
- Center front of bust to hem length: 21 inches to hem of outer panel.
- Total length from center front of bust: 23 inches to center of crotch.
- Rise: 13.5 inches in front and 14.5 in back, unstretched.
- Straps length: adjustable with 3 buttons holes from 17.5 to 20.5 inches.
- Label: Catalina Masterpiece
