We tend to think of 1950s swimwear as being the height of style and sophistication, and some of it WAS beautiful, but as you can tell by these photos some of the more experimental items of beachwear were more miss than hit! The giant puffy beachball look anyone?

1950s swimwear fashion shoot 1950s swimwear fashion shoot 1950s swimwear fashion shoot 1950s swimwear fashion shoot 1950s swimwear fashion shoot 1950s swimwear fashion shoot 1950s swimwear fashion shoot

Photo source and copyright: Time LIFE archives