Summer is just around the corner, soon we will be back on the beach. We may be able to travel, but otherwise we may have actually got used to the idea of ​​the Danish summer weather, and maybe you are one of the many who have started to dip their toes early in the cold water or even winter baths?

Again this year we get lots of wonderful retro swimsuits and bikinis in vintage style home to our wonderful Mondo customers, both wonderful old favorites like polka dots but also new beautiful floral patterns in beautiful colors.

We have written the swimsuit and the history of the bikini here - if you want to read how it all came to be but if you want to read more about the bikini and the swimsuit wave in Golden age Hollywood, look here.

The bikini was a big favorite among 1940s pinups and aspiring actresses. Thus, the famous image of Betty Grable seen in a swimsuit from behind is still considered one of the 100 most famous and influential images.

From the 1930s was swimsuit no longer just for bathing in. Part of the 1930s focus on health and the healthy body wrong namely also sunbathing. In the 1930s, people began to have paid vacations and that meant more beach and more swimwear. They began to introduce lower necklines, to remove the sleeves and to make a more snug-fitting swimsuit. The two-piece bath set was also invented. But it was Louis Réard who in July 1946 launched the bikini 4 days after the first American nuclear test explosion at Bikini Atoll.

Apart from the fact that there was now a two-part bath set, and that this had a powerful new name, it was new that the lower part did not cover the navel. With that definition, many of the pinups were actually not wearing the new bikinis, but rather the 'old' glamorous two-piece bath set.

The pinup girl's rise in the 1940s during the war, as well as the fascination with all things swimming, made the bikini a big hit. Many famous actresses started their careers by posing in the new invention.

Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. In addition to having in common that they were the big stars in Hollywood's golden age, from the mid-1940s to the mid-1950s, all the actresses have enjoyed photos in swimwear to boost careers.

When the movie Gilda was in theaters, it was reported that an atomic bomb, which was scheduled to be tested at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Marshall Islands, would carry a picture of Hayworth, a reference to her status as a 'bombshell'. Although it was meant as a compliment, Hayworth took it very badly. Whether this helped give Louis Réard the idea for the bikini? At least that says something about the status it was to be a "bombshell", and that the swimwear could not say it was free to have part of the credit.

We have probably all seen the fine photos of a young Marilyn Monroe, who with her bikini photos tried to make the film studios aware of her. But also as a famous actress, she appeared in movies and in pictures in bikinis.

The beautiful actresses simply managed to look glamorous no matter where they were; and also by the pool or the beach

A vintage swimsuit is so flattering and iconic in its expression that you will at once feel beautiful and sexy. It is a great alternative to the bikini.

Mondo Kaos carries the iconic swimsuit in several different colors including polka dots, hawaiian print, gingham check, sheer sapphire blue and emerald green, and of course the classic cherry print! 

We also got a brand new swimsuit home with wide straps and skirts in a beautiful retro pattern in red with white flowers.

The amazing ones vintage bikinis from Esther Williams, is also very reminiscent of those we know from the pinup girls. They have the perfect vintage pin-up vibe. They fit all body shapes and figures and are incredibly flattering. They are made of a smooth fabric in the finest quality, and the top has soft bowls with reinforced sides. It has a beautiful adjustable halter neck so you can adjust it perfectly to your chest 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, it also covers the belly so you do not feel naked. Light folds in the sides give a comfortable look and flatter the hip area without you having to feel narrowed.

You will look great in one vintage bikini whether you sunbathe by the pool, or take 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 get to the beach bar or lunch with e.g. a couple shorts or skirt over. Of course, you can also easily throw one summer dress over your Esther Williams swimsuit, when you need to move on from the beach.

You can be inspired by coming down to the store or see more online.

We wish all bathing nymphs a wonderful bathing season,

Team Mondo Kaos 🧜‍♀️