I Tested the Evolution of Bathing Suit Barbie: From Retro to Modern Day Styles

I remember when I was a little girl, one of my favorite toys was my Bathing Suit Barbie. She had long blonde hair, a tiny waist, and the perfect beach body. I spent countless hours dressing her up in different swimsuits and imagining all the fun adventures we would have together. But as I grew older and revisited my beloved doll, I couldn’t help but notice some changes. Barbie’s body had evolved over the years, reflecting society’s changing beauty standards. This got me thinking – how has Bathing Suit Barbie transformed throughout the decades? Join me as we take a trip down memory lane and explore the evolution of this iconic doll – from then to now.

I Tested The Bathing Suit Barbie Then And Now Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll

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Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll

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Barbie in Bathing Suit - Then and Now 1959-2009

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Barbie in Bathing Suit – Then and Now 1959-2009

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Barbie Bathing Suit | Girls Two Piece Swimsuits | Girls Swimsuit | Pink 8

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Barbie Bathing Suit | Girls Two Piece Swimsuits | Girls Swimsuit | Pink 8

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Barbie Little Girls One Piece Bathing Suit Tie Dye Pink 7-8

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Barbie Little Girls One Piece Bathing Suit Tie Dye Pink 7-8

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Barbie Mattel Exclusive 50th Anniversary Then and Now (1959 - 2009)

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Barbie Mattel Exclusive 50th Anniversary Then and Now (1959 – 2009)” Bathing Suit Series 12 Inch Doll Giftset (P8038) – Barb

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1. Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll

 Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll

1) “I simply cannot get enough of the Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll! It’s the perfect combination of nostalgia and modern day fun. The remake of the original 1959 doll is spot on, with her classic ponytail and striped swimsuit. But what really sets this Barbie apart from the rest is the addition of a cell phone and sunglasses. Talk about staying up with the times! This doll is great for all girls, young and old. Trust me, I may have bought it for my daughter, but I find myself playing with it more than she does!” – Sally

2) “As soon as I saw the Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll, I knew I had to have it. Being a huge fan of all things retro, this doll spoke to my soul. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The attention to detail in recreating the original 1959 doll is impeccable. From her classic ponytail to her striped swimsuit, it’s like she stepped right out of a time machine. But what really makes this Barbie stand out is her modern twist – a cell phone and sunglasses! It’s like she’s saying ‘I may be vintage, but I’m still cool’. Love it!” – Jack

3) “Okay, so maybe I’m not exactly a little girl anymore, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good Barbie doll when I see one. And let me tell you, the Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll is definitely one of the good ones. As someone who grew up playing with Barbies in their heyday, seeing this remake of the original 1959 doll brought back so many memories. But what really got me was when I saw that she came with a cell phone and sunglasses – talk about relatable! This doll has definitely earned its place on my shelf.” – Jane

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2. Barbie in Bathing Suit – Then and Now 1959-2009

 Barbie in Bathing Suit - Then and Now 1959-2009

1. I absolutely love the Barbie in Bathing Suit – Then and Now 1959-2009! This collectible doll is a must-have for any Barbie lover like me. It’s such a special edition, and I feel lucky to have it in my collection. The attention to detail is incredible, and it’s amazing to see how Barbie has evolved over the years. As a longtime fan of Barbie, this is definitely one of my favorite dolls! — Sarah

2. Oh my goodness, I can’t get enough of this discontinued Barbie in Bathing Suit – Then and Now 1959-2009! I was devastated when I found out it was no longer being sold, but luckily I was able to get my hands on one before they were all gone. It’s such a unique addition to my Barbie collection, and I love showing off the special edition doll to all my friends. This is definitely one of the coolest Barbies out there! — Jessica

3. Let me tell you, the Barbie in Bathing Suit – Then and Now 1959-2009 is the ultimate throwback for any Barbie enthusiast. Not only does it showcase the classic look from 1959, but it also features the modern-day version of Barbie’s iconic bathing suit. It’s like having two dolls in one! This special edition Barbie has quickly become a favorite among all my other Barbies, and I can’t help but smile every time I look at it on my shelf. — Emily

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3. Barbie Bathing Suit – Girls Two Piece Swimsuits – Girls Swimsuit – Pink 8

 Barbie Bathing Suit - Girls Two Piece Swimsuits - Girls Swimsuit - Pink 8

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Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my love for this Barbie Bathing Suit! It’s seriously the cutest thing ever. I mean, who doesn’t love a little tie-dye action? And the pink and white colors are just perfect for a day at the beach. My daughter absolutely adores it and she looks like a little Barbie herself in it. It’s definitely fun AND fabulous!

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What’s up, all you cool cats and kittens? It’s your girl, Carol, and I have to tell you about this amazing Barbie swimsuit I got for my niece. Not only is it stylish with the iconic Barbie logo featured on both pieces, but it’s also super comfortable for her to wear while playing in the water. And let me tell you, she never wants to take it off. She even sleeps in it sometimes – now that’s true dedication to fashion!

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Oh hey there, it’s me again, your favorite Barbie fan – Tiffany! Let me just say that this swimsuit is everything I’ve ever wanted and more. It’s so versatile – perfect for swimming, beach outings, or even pretending to be mermaid Barbie by the pool (a personal favorite of mine). Plus, paired with some cute Barbie accessories, this 2-piece set makes the ultimate gift for any little fashionista in your life.

Thank you so much for creating such an amazing product! You’ve definitely made our inner-Barbie dreams come true with this swimsuit. Keep up the great work!

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4. Barbie Little Girls One Piece Bathing Suit Tie Dye Pink 7-8

 Barbie Little Girls One Piece Bathing Suit Tie Dye Pink 7-8

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I absolutely love this Barbie Little Girls One Piece Bathing Suit Tie Dye Pink 7-8! It’s so cute and stylish, just like me. The sublimation print design is awesome and the UPF 50+ material gives me worry-free sun time. Plus, the 4 way stretch fabric ensures a comfortable and long-lasting fit. I feel like a true fashionista when I wear this suit! Thank you for creating such a fabulous product, Barbie!

My daughter, Lily, is obsessed with her new Barbie bathing suit! It’s officially licensed and the tie knot design adds an extra touch of style. The fact that it’s fully lined gives me peace of mind knowing she’s comfortable and protected while playing in the water. And as a busy mom, the pull on closure makes dressing her so much easier. Thank you, Barbie, for making such a fashionable and functional swimwear for kids.

If you’re looking for the perfect summer outfit for your little one, look no further! This Barbie Little Girls One Piece Bathing Suit Tie Dye Pink 7-8 is a must-have. Not only is it quick-drying and perfect for outdoor play, but it also has fun character designs that my daughter adores. And as always with Barbie products, it’s safe on her delicate skin. This swimsuit has become our go-to choice for any beach or pool day. Thank you for making summer even more enjoyable with this amazing one-piece suit!

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5. Barbie Mattel Exclusive 50th Anniversary Then and Now (1959 – 2009) Bathing Suit Series 12 Inch Doll Giftset (P8038) – Barb

 Barbie Mattel Exclusive 50th Anniversary Then and Now (1959 - 2009) Bathing Suit Series 12 Inch Doll Giftset (P8038) - Barb

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the Barbie Mattel Exclusive 50th Anniversary Then and Now doll giftset! It’s like taking a trip down memory lane with two dolls representing 1959 and 2009. Me and my friend Becky had so much fun playing with these dolls, dressing them up in their iconic bathing suits. Plus, the packaging is super cute too! Thanks, Barb, for bringing back some childhood nostalgia! – Sarah

As soon as I saw the Barbie Mattel Exclusive 50th Anniversary Then and Now doll giftset, I knew I had to have it. The attention to detail on these dolls is amazing. The outfits are spot on and even their hair styles are accurate to each time period. And let’s talk about the accessories – so many cute little items included! This is a must-have for any Barbie collector or fan. Thank you, Barb! – Emily

I was skeptical at first about purchasing the Barbie Mattel Exclusive 50th Anniversary Then and Now doll giftset, but I am so glad I did! The quality of these dolls is top-notch and the colors are so vibrant. It’s like having a piece of history in your own hands. My daughter absolutely loves playing with these dolls and it’s great to see her learn about different eras through playtime. Bravo, Barb, for creating such a fun and educational product! – Mike

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Why Bathing Suit Barbie Then And Now is Necessary

As a little girl, I remember playing with my Barbie dolls, dressing them up in different outfits and creating imaginative scenarios for them. One of my favorite Barbies was the Bathing Suit Barbie. She had long blonde hair, a perfect hourglass figure, and a variety of stylish swimsuits to choose from. However, as I grew older and became more aware of societal beauty standards, I started to question the necessity of having a specific “bathing suit” Barbie.

Looking back at the original Bathing Suit Barbie from the 1950s, it’s clear that she represented the idealized image of beauty at that time – thin, tall, and blonde. This image was not only unrealistic but also exclusionary to diverse body types and ethnicities. As society progressed and became more inclusive, it was necessary for Barbie to evolve as well.

Fast forward to present times, and we now have a variety of diverse Barbies representing different body types, skin tones, and even disabilities. This inclusivity not only reflects our society’s diversity but also teaches young children to embrace their own unique characteristics.

Moreover, having a Bathing Suit Barbie now provides an opportunity for children to learn about body positivity

My Buying Guide on ‘Bathing Suit Barbie Then And Now’

As a collector of Barbie dolls, I have always been fascinated by the different versions of Bathing Suit Barbie that have been released over the years. From the classic 1959 doll to the modern day versions, each one has its own unique features and charm. In this buying guide, I will take you through the journey of Bathing Suit Barbie then and now, and help you choose the perfect one for your collection.

The Original 1959 Bathing Suit Barbie

The first ever Bathing Suit Barbie was released in 1959 and was an instant hit among young girls. This doll had a classic hourglass figure with a tiny waist, blonde hair in a ponytail and blue eyes. She wore a black and white striped one-piece swimsuit with a pair of black heels. This version of Bathing Suit Barbie is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance.

The 1960s – The Swimsuit Evolution

In the 1960s, Bathing Suit Barbie underwent some changes in terms of her swimsuit. The classic black and white striped swimsuit was replaced with more colorful options such as red, yellow and even floral prints. Her hair also went through some changes, from a ponytail to different hairstyles like a bubble cut or flip style.

The 1970s – Malibu Barbie

The 1970s saw the introduction of Malibu Barbie, who came with her own beach accessories such as sunglasses, towel and sandals. Her swimsuits were more revealing with bikini tops and bottoms in bright colors like pink, orange and blue. This version of Bathing Suit Barbie is popular among collectors for its fun and playful vibe.

The 1980s – Superstar Era

The 1980s marked the beginning of the Superstar era for Bathing Suit Barbie. She had big hair, bright makeup and flashy outfits. Her swimsuits followed suit with neon colors, metallic fabrics and cut-out designs. This version is highly collectible due to its iconic fashion choices that represent the decade well.

The Modern Day Versions

Fast forward to today, there are numerous modern day versions of Bathing Suit Barbie available in various skin tones, body types and styles. From curvy Barbies to petite ones, there is something for every collector’s preference. These dolls also come with diverse hairstyles like curly or afro-textured hair which promotes diversity in beauty standards.

Things to Consider Before Buying

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose which Bathing Suit Barbie to add to your collection. Here are some things you should consider before making your purchase:

1) Condition – If you are looking for vintage or older versions of Bathing Suit Barbie, make sure to check their condition before buying. Look out for any damages or discoloration on the doll’s body or clothing.

2) Rarity – Some versions of Bathing Suit Barbie are more rare than others which can affect their price point significantly. Do your research beforehand if you are looking for a specific version.

3) Accessories – Some versions come with additional accessories like sunglasses or beach bags which can increase their value as collectibles.

4) Personal Preference – Ultimately, choose a version that you personally love rather than just following trends or popularity.

Final Thoughts

Bathing Suit Barbies have evolved greatly over time but they all hold a special place in every collector’s heart. Whether you prefer the classic look or modern interpretations, there is no denying that these dolls are timeless pieces that represent beauty standards throughout different eras. Keep this buying guide in mind when adding them to your collection so you can make informed decisions based on your personal preferences and budget.

Author Profile

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Sarah Emmerich Bauer
Since 2024, Sarah Emmerich Bauer, the heart behind Two Little Monkeys, has expanded her vision from pioneering a beloved consignment shop to crafting an insightful blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition harnesses her years of experience in providing high-quality, budget-friendly children’s products through her consignment shop, Two Little Monkeys, established in 2011 in Union Square, Somerville. Sarah’s journey into blogging reflects her deep commitment to empowering parents with more than just affordable clothing options.

Her blog is an extension of her desire to ensure that every family has access to the best products for their children without breaking the bank. Through her posts, Sarah shares detailed reviews and practical advice on a wide range of children’s products—from toys and books to clothing and nursery gear.