Probably one of the most dreaded shopping experiences for me is bathing suit shopping. Shopping online is really the only way I can handle the trauma. I don’t care how bathing suit ready you are, shopping for a swimsuit is traumatic.

Luckily, the good folks at Popina Swimwear, a fantastic retro swimwear boutique with boutique shops in Portland,  offered to take the sting out of shopping for a swimsuit by sending me the cutest vintage inspired swimsuit with everything I could possibly hope for. From their catalog:

Vintage One Piece Bathing Suit,  the Grace, is adapted from popular 1950′s Swimwear styles.  This distinctive Retro Inspired Swimsuit features front, back and side princess seaming which draws the eye up and down and provides for a visual sliming effect. This is a great Conservative Swimsuit for the active gal who wants a Classic Swimwear look, but also wants to keep everything in place. This flattering swimwear style features a shelf bra and a vintage boy cut leg. Made in the USA.

I absolutely love everything about this suit. It fits like a glove and the white halter straps and bow really bring the eye up, right where I need it because I am way too self-conscious about everything below the waist. I love vintage swimsuits and own several, but sometimes the fabric of a vintage swimsuit is no longer stretchy or, in the case of cotton vintage swimsuits, the suit can add a bit of bulk. The Grace keeps everything in place and it is very comfortable.

Popina also really nails the retro look. the Grace caught my eye because it’s so classic 1950s inspired. It comes in red too! I also love that Popina carries Jantzen swimwear, a swimsuit label with a long history in the swimwear industry. The Vamp malliot is oh so glamorous. It deserves a cocktail served up poolside by a cabana boy.

If you are looking for vintage swimwear, I highly recommend Popina Swimwear. They offer the best styles and the quality far exceeds the price.