The Playsuit – Modern Shorts with a Long History!

Many call them Playsuits, some call them jumpsuits and in the USA they are commonly known as rompers – but whatever you choose to call them, they are certainly a must have in a modern girl’s wardrobe.

Playsuits offer a really cute alternative to a dress as they are short and pretty but still practical. No skirts blowing up in the wind is a major plus! They are of course great for holidays and for the summertime in general, but also look great layered with tights in the colder months.

There’s no doubt that you could easily pick up a playsuit from any of the major high street shops these days such as New Look, Topshop, River Island etc but did you know that this modern favourite actually dates back to over 80 years ago?

Back in the 1930s, the all in one as we know it now, was designed as a stylish and feminine piece of sportswear. The fashionistas of the 1940s would wear it by the pool but it all but disappeared during WWII. Step into the 1950s and femme fatales such as the infamous Marilyn Monroe brought the playsuit straight into the fashion spotlight. Pin-up girls, beauty queens and celebrities of the era all showcased playsuits in a variety of patterns and colours from polka dots to gingham and denim to white. They looked amazing on their curvy hourglass figures which is exactly why these 1950s bombshell styles are seen most frequently in retro/reproduction Vintage clothing today. They are always a very popular favourite here at My Vintage too!

Playsuits were not huge in the 1960s, but if you did come across them they would almost definitely be psychedelic or in bold retro prints! It was the 1970s that brought back the trend and upgraded it to super full-on glam!

The disco divas of the 1970s loved wearing playsuits. Perfect for dancing but still super sexy with high cut legs, strappy tops and silky fabrics. Four decades after being designed there, the nightclubs of New York City were once again full of the all-in-one!

The playsuits of the 80s and 90s were rarely fitted, opting instead for the blousey loose look. Often made from Laura Ashley inspired chintz fabrics, playsuits could often be confused for dresses with they shirt style tops and wide legged bottoms.

It was around 2006 that the playsuit made it’s way back into the heart of modern fashion and is still right up there with no signs of leaving. Playsuits for daytime are often loose and floaty with strappy tops and adorable patterns, being worn with gladiator sandals or wellies for festivals. In the evening, playsuits tend to be more fitted and structured, accessorised with killer heels and statements necklaces.

Like with most retro/reproduction clothing, if you opt for a more vintage style playsuit you are still dipping your toe into the trend waters but creating a more unique and individual look. The retro 1950s playsuits like the ones we have at My Vintage are pretty, feminine and flattering on all figures. Why not take a look online or come and visit our Darwen shop and try on a few?!

We hope you enjoyed this little stroll down fashion memory lane and will see you very soon!

Until next time.
MV

xx