A History of Women’s Swimwear
Swimwear has come a long way from the heavy, modest garments worn by Victorian women wading in the ocean. Over the years, it has become a symbol of fashion, freedom, and femininity.
As attitudes towards women’s bodies and sexuality have changed, so has the design of swimwear. Join us as we dive into the past and explore the stories behind some of the most iconic swimsuits in history.
Early Days of Women’s Swimwear
In the 19th century, swimming was considered a popular activity for both men and women. However, women’s swimwear during this era differed from today’s. Modesty and coverage were the primary concerns, and women’s swimwear was designed to keep them fully covered. Bathing gowns, also known as bathing costumes, were made of heavy flannel or wool and covered the entire body from neck to ankles.
In the early 1800s, a new style of bathing costume emerged, consisting of a long dress worn over trousers. This costume was designed to be worn in the water, allowing women to swim while remaining modestly covered. However, these garments were often heavy, making it difficult for women to move freely in the water.
The Roaring 20’s and 30’s
The 1920s and 1930s were a time of great change for women’s swimwear. Fashion was becoming more daring, and swimwear was no exception. The iconic flapper style of the 1920s, with its shorter hemlines and looser silhouette, influenced swimwear design, leading to more streamlined and less bulky swimsuits.
Some key developments during this era include:
- The rise of the two-piece swimsuit: In the mid-1920s, the two-piece swimsuit was introduced, consisting of a top that covered the chest and a bottom that covered the hips. This style was initially controversial, but it quickly gained popularity among younger women who were eager to show off their bodies.
- The introduction of new materials: As technology advanced, new materials such as latex and rayon were introduced, allowing for more stretchy and form-fitting swimsuits.
- The popularity of sunbathing: In the 1930s, sunbathing became increasingly popular, and swimwear designs began to reflect this trend. Swimsuits became even more revealing, with shorter hemlines and lower necklines.
- Hollywood’s influence: Hollywood movies significantly shaped fashion during this era, and swimwear was no exception. Iconic movie stars such as Jean Harlow and Greta Garbo popularized new styles, leading to a demand for more fashionable swimsuits.
The 80’s and 90’s
When it comes to originality and authentic style, this period was the best. The 1980s and 1990s were marked by a resurgence of interest in fitness and athleticism, and swimwear design reflected this trend. As a result, high-cut leg openings and bold colors became popular, and swimwear began to incorporate more technical fabrics designed to enhance performance in the water.
The rise of the high-cut swimsuit surely led to other fashion changes. In the 1980s, high-cut swimsuits became popular, with leg openings that were cut higher on the hips to create a longer and leaner appearance.
On top of that, as fitness and athleticism became more popular, swimwear began to incorporate more technical fabrics and designs. As a result, sportswear-inspired swimsuits with features such as zippers, mesh, and cutouts became popular.
While one-piece swimsuits remained popular, the bikini returned in the 1980s and 1990s. The era’s high-cut leg openings and bold colors were incorporated into bikini designs, leading to some of the most iconic swimsuit styles.
Modern Day Swimwear
Today’s swimwear is diverse, with various styles, designs, and materials available. Swimwear designers continue to push the boundaries of fashion and function, incorporating new materials and technologies to create innovative and stylish swimsuits.
Here are some of the most noticeable aspects of today’s swimwear:
- Sustainable materials: As environmental concerns have grown, many swimwear designers are turning to sustainable materials such as recycled nylon and polyester.
- Inclusive sizing: Swimwear designers recognize the need for more inclusive sizing, offering swimsuits in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different body types.
- Bold prints and colors: Bright and bold prints and colors continue to be popular in modern-day swimwear.
- Cutouts and asymmetrical designs: Cutouts and asymmetrical designs are a popular trend in modern-day swimwear, allowing for more unique and eye-catching designs.
- Retro-inspired styles: Styles from past eras continue to influence modern-day swimwear.