Anything involving fashion from 100 years ago is fun to look back on. Especially when it comes to ‘scanty bathing suits’, of which any 40+ year old mom would be happy to come back into style. And better yet? Today’s article was written by the famed Fay King. I absolutely adore her. You’ll see why when you read this one.

Fay was a syndicated cartoonist and writer whose work ran in papers across the country. Daily, which is impressive. And on this day, May 28th, 1926, she turned her attention to the pressing question of the one-piece bathing suit.

Here is the full article, exactly as printed:

"These are busy days for the young ladies who look upon the one-piece bathing suit as excellent bait for husband catching!

How to look their best in a one-piece suit if they are not built for one is a rather difficult problem, but it may be overcome!

So much has been said for and against the one-piece bathing suit — it might almost be more aptly referred to as the 'no-peace' bathing suit, but I notice 'them as can wears 'em!'

However, not every girl is a perfect 34! And the fact that your knees may not be dimpled and your hips a bit too wide or too narrow need not interfere with your being a beach beauty.

The essential point in all matters of dress is to emphasize your good points and conceal the bad ones! This can always be done — even in a one-piece bathing suit!

If your face is better than your figure, be sure to doll up your face. Perfectly bewitching little bathing caps are on sale, and two or three of these can be the most adorable frame for a cute face and completely eclipse a doubtful figure!

A flounce, a ruffle and scarf, even an attachable beach skirt, can be used to conceal lines that do not click! In fact, a cape or robe that cleverly half conceals an imperfect figure can be more intriguing than just a one-piece suit on a perfect form.

The most important point is if you haven't much to show, don't show too much!

It is as much an art to wear your one-piece bathing suit well as it is to wear any gown.

Stripes, dots, belts, caps, colors — all these can add or detract. If your figure is quite impossible, don't kid yourself about it, but get an even more impossible bathing suit, so that the impression will be that it is the suit and not you that is at fault!

And then, of course, there is always the water!

The ocean is becoming to many everyone and can be as much of an improvement to some as a permanent or marcel wave is! don't overlook the ocean! It may be just what you need most to look best in your bathing suit."

It’s poetry.

Fay was a hero of the “everyday woman” in 1926. Reading her articles today are both empowering and cringey. To see her encouraging women to ‘be a beach queen’ no matter what they wore, and at the same time basically telling them to cover up if they weren’t perfect.

Anyway, have a great time at the beach this summer in whatever attire makes you feel like a beach queen… or king, you should see the men’s suits too 👀

See you tomorrow

— Chris

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