the swimsuit competition

Summertime! That means it's swimsuit season. I happen to be a woman-shaped woman (with hips and breasts and everything!), so I get a little annoyed this time of year, what with the deluge of swimsuits that are nothing more than tiny triangles of fabric held together by shoelaces. Also, I don't dig the expectation that women need to go nearly nude at the beach. I find it therapeutic to find images of other woman-shaped women, wearing suits illustrating how modesty is much sexier than g-strings.

Marilyn Monroe, in her iconic white suit.

Jayne Mansfield, showing good *ahem* form.

Betty Grable. This image kept a lot of guys company in WWII.

Even Bettie Page, who was photographed for rather immodest purposes, is more demurely clad than most modern gals!

                                                                

Contemporary bikinis don't have to be skanky, though.

I would wear the romper suit on the left every day of the summer. I would never wear pants again.

Here's a new, gorgeous, custom-made option! Kinda pricey, but I love it.

Annnd just for fun, here's a peek at what men wore to the beach in the 50's. It's interesting that their suits have gotten more coverage as ours have gotten less.