With floppy sunhat providing shade and shield from harsh rays, this head-turner is free to luxuriate in the beachside aurora of a salty summer’s day.

August 20, 1927
No amount of lathering is going to ease a smolder that red. Though this burned beachgoer can take comfort in the fact that her dual-toned skin and swimsuit form a rather patriotic guise.

July 6, 1929
Stretched out under the lacy shelter of a parasol, these ladies are prepared to transform the lawn into a first-class pinup photo shoot.

July 5, 1930
Garbed in their complementary aquamarine getups, this trio may just fade into the luster of the ocean blue once they’ve hit the dunes.

July 8, 1933
For those seaside loungers wishing to hold court over the shimmering surface without dampening their locks, perching on a diving board is a suitable compromise.

August 19, 1933
Sporting sandals is just an invitation to trek sand about for weeks afterward. But it’s well worth it when the elegantly casual ensemble will draw every eye on the shore.

August 11, 1934
It’s surf’s up or more appropriately skis up for this golden couple as they crest another foamy wave. And if they should happen to capsize, that striking crimson of hers will make them easily spotted for pickup.

June 27, 1936
Whether perfecting a competitive breaststroke or just dipping toes in the drink, poolside is the place to be in summer’s steamiest weeks.

August 28, 1937
A smarting smack to the rear wasn’t exactly on this perturbed stunner’s checklist for beach day. At least she had a sandy landing to cushion the spill.

August 12, 1939
Everyone pines for a tropical escape; but in a pinch, an urban rooftop destination will do, and it’s just as toasty. If you can’t reach the beaches, you can always climb a little closer to the sun.

August 3, 1940
X marks the spot for tan-line regret as this socialite discovers her sun-cooked body art isn’t going to pair well with the plunging backline of that pearly frock.

September 27, 1941
When the hours have worn everyone down, a few bubbly sips and a cool-off card game under the umbrella may be just the right pick-me-up before a final splashdown.

August 28, 1943
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Comments
Another great themed-cover art feature with observing comments here, Zach.
John LaGatta’s ‘Sunbathers’ is incredible. I love the simplicity of the cover, his use of color and outlining the picture in a way that almost gives it a 3-D look.
His ‘Three Bathing Beauties’ is great too, actually looking like it was done by an entirely different artist.
‘Ski Boarding Couple’ is beautiful also, looking almost like a unique fusion of art and photography at the same time.
‘Up On the Roof’ is fascinating and beautiful as well from the woman herself, the colors, shading and angle clearly showing it IS a building’s rooftop, to the fact she may have brought too much reading material with her…
‘Card Game at the Beach’ is cool too. I like the illustrations of Alex
Ross, but didn’t realize he’d done a POST cover before. Love the rest too, especially ‘Tan Lines’ and ‘Sunburned Sunbather’. Ouch!