Evolution of Bathing Suits
By Pamela99
Swimsuits -the History
Bathing suits have run the gamut from the most conservative styles to the ones that leave little to the imagination. There are attractive suits for the thinnest men and women to the plus sized swimwear.
In classical antiquity bathing was done in the nude. There are Roman murals which show woman wearing something similar to a two piece suit playing sports and exercising, but there is no evidence of swimming. Japanese men swam in something like a loin cloth. There were some areas of England where woman swam in the nude and other areas where that was against the law around the 1600s. History is certainly different in different areas of the world. This hub will focus primarily on the western culture.
Edwardian Swimsuits
Once the railway arrived in Britain the masses visited the sea side regularly and it spawned a need for new fashions. In the early Victorian era women had worn serge or dark flannel bathing dresses, but by the 1860s two piece belted costumes replaced the earlier styles.
Edwardian Swimsuits were very similar to Victorian styles. They were still made of wool and now consisted of bloomers and a wool dress.
The dress was now a sleeveless version and the outfit was worn with black stockings and laced footwear.
My Grandparents Between 1914 - 1920
1920s Swimsuits
In the early 1900s women wore "bathing gowns" in the water; these were long dresses of fabrics that would not become transparent when wet, with weights sewed into the hems so that they would not rise up in the water. The top photo to the right is of my grandparents. My grandmother had a wonderful sense of humor and I have many treasured memories of times spent with them when I was a child.
The men's swim suit, a rather form fitting wool garment with long sleeves and legs, similar to long underwear, was developed and would change little for many years.
In the 1900s, once labor laws were enforced, people became interested in spending time at the beach. From the 1900’s through the 1920’s is when swimming really started becoming popular. During the Depression of the 1930’s swimming was something people could do for fun that was very inexpensive. In the 1900’s swim suits didn’t show legs and the ladies wore tights or stockings. Synchronized swimming also started becoming popular in the 1930s.
1930 Bathing Suits - Love Those Prices!
1940 one Piece Bathing Suit
Chanes of the 1940s
By the 1940s styles were changing again, becoming more like what we've seen in recent years with primarily one piece bathing suits. Hollywood added glamor to swimsuits for the first time. Esther Williams and Dorothy Lamour with films featuring synchronized aqua swimming caught people’s attention. Suits became more figure hugging revealing every body contour with higher cut legs.
In the 1940s, manufactures realized there was a market for bathing suits for women with various figure flaws. The new more revealing swim suits required experts to design a better suit, and they achieved this by adding stretch tummy control panels and bra cups were added, so suits could be also worn strapless that buttoned on the inside .
By the 1950 women continued to wear one piece swimsuits and took care to cover their hair with swimming caps. Bikinis were thought to be too risqué at this time and best suited for film stars and exotic dancers
Esther Williams
Esther Williams: Princess Mermaid
From One Piece Bathing Suit to Thongs
By the mid 60s the fabrics were mainly nylon or Lycra or a mix of both materials. They also started using plastic rings and mesh midriffs.
The modern version was patented by Louis Reard in 1946, but bikinis were seen in Crete thousands of years ago. His design was more akin to the skimpy string 1970's bikinis. Bikinis made news and as versions have become skimpier, they have always attracted attention. Along came the more radical styles like the G string, and then the thong, also called the Brazilan tanga. This trend started in the 1980s became the norm for the young women by the 1990s. Designer swimwear is most common and there is a large variety of styles from which to choose. One piece suits are still popular for many women, and there are many styles of suits in plus sized swimwear. There are many styles to choose from in plus size bathing suits.
Women's Swimsuits
No Amazon products foundLyrica initially promoted in England by Marks & Spenser meant that bikinis became more flexible and molded to the contour of the body, which provides a better fit. Legs are now cut even higher frequently exposing the both cheeks so you quite often see a young woman in an over sized T shirt or a sarong that can be removed for a timed sunbathing season.
The most recent innovation for swimwear in the 1990s was the tan through fabrics used for swimwear. These fabrics allow you to tan through the fabric without showing the nude body.
String Bikini
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- Hawaiian Banded Thong. The perfect vacation thong. Tropical print and solid yellow combined with our Triangle Top and fold over Banded Thong Bottom make for the perfect bikini. Great for tanning or for those who want to show off a little. Even if you are not on vacation in this sexy number, you will sure feel like it! ***MADE IN USA
Men's Bathing Trunks
Men's Swimsuits in Western Culture
In western culture, men's swimsuit styles include board shorts, jammers, swim trunks, briefs or "speedos", thongs, and g-strings, in order of decreasing lower body coverage
Speedo developed the Fastskin FS-PRO high performance swimsuit and made it available in 2007. It was there lightest, fastest swimsuit to help the champion swimmers and it has a low absorption rate and athletics swim faster. It is a sleeveless all body suit from ankle to neck with only the arms free. It is primarily used for competitive swimming and it is expensive.
 | Amazon Price: $39.00 |
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Men's Swimsuits
- Speedo equals better fit, performance, quality and innovation! Great fitting Jammer styling offers the technical advantage of compression as well as greater comfort and modesty. Premium type 247B Lycra/Spandex
- This classic swim trunk offers endless hours of casual comfort whether you're heading to the beach or a nearby pool.
- Classic swim shorts with great style and fit. Excellent quality and cool colors
- Borat Suspender Thong. One Size Fits All. Neon Green,. Officially Licensed. In retail packaging.
D'Amore Swimsuit Runway!
Burquini
“A recent innovation is the burqini, favored by Muslim women, which covers the whole body and head (but not face) in a manner similar to a diver's wetsuit. These are an updated version of full-body swimwear, which has been available for centuries, but conforms to Islam's traditional emphasis on modest dress. In Egypt, the term "Shari” is used to describe full-body swimwear.”
Todays Swimwear
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Summary
The trend in swimsuits over the last century is to make swimwear more attractive, more comfortable and more revealing. If you have a good figure and can wear the skinny bikinis or thongs, more power to you. I would hate to have to swim in a burquini as you wouldn't even feel the water glide across your skin as you swam.
I see men and woman at the beach that ought to take a look in the mirror before leaving home. I sure don't think you have to be skinny to wear a bathing suit but pick one that accents your best features, and you will probably be a lot more comfortable when you are out with your family or friends.
The copyright to this article is owned by Pamela Oglesby. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Comments
ghomefitness, Good luck with that! I couldn't resist including it in the group. I appreciate your comment and will expect a picture.
Very cool bathing suits. I enjoyed learning about the evolution of the bathing suits. Now you've got me thinking about a new bathing suit and why not it's never to soon to be prepared for swimsuit season. Maybe if I buy one now warm weather will come sooner! :) Katie
My Dear Pam, for sure, now at my age, I am living in the wrong era...the first suits would look good on my now. However when I was young I love me red and white ity bity bikini....love this hub rate way up, you are awesome. Love & peace darski
What a fun hub, Pamela. And how far we have come in the creation of bathing suits for women. Now we spend about 50 times the price for less than 5% of the material.
Today's bathing suites certainly do not leave much for the imagination compared to the photos you added from the beginning of the century, WOW! what a difference.
Katiem, I think you're right. Its never too soon to plan for summer with a new suit. Thanks for the comment.
Darsky, I remember my bikini days also but I'm a little too old now, so back in a one piece. I appreciate your comments sweet Darsky.
drbj, Isn't that the truth! I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and thanks for the comment.
rpallulis, The difference certainly is quite dramatic.
Thanks for your comment.
pamela! Great detailed article. I love looking at all the old styles and pics here. I always wonder if I should have been born in a different era! ha I have been away from hubpages for quite a while. Hoping to get back into more writing here in 2011! Hope you are enjoying this holiday season! Best, G
GPAGE, I'm glad to see you back and I appreciate your comments. Hope to see some articles from you. I wish you a wonderful 2011.
Cambodia is like the Southeast Asia Victorian equivalent. Although western trends have begun to creep over to Cambodia, most girls still swim in regular street clothes.
Hiya Pam, this just awesome! I love reading and looking at the different era swimsuits.. that you added your grandparents picture in swimsuits in the early 1900s is just priceless. Thumbs up and way awesome!
Happy Holidays,
Rosie
ecoggins, I suppose that might be true in other Asian countries, as well as, in Arab countries since religious practices rule behavior in many cases. Thanks for your comment.
Rosio, I'm grad you enjoyed the hub. Thanks for your comments.
I enjoyed reading about the evolution of the bathing suits. I didn't know that there are so many choices.
katrinasui, I am glad you enjoyed my hub. Thank you for your comment.
Pamela, fascinating article. I love seeing the progression of bathing suits through the years. I love the grandparents pictures. Voted up and awesome
This hub should definitely make it to the top or top few pages in Google. Fantastic review of styles regarding bathing suits from the early days going forward to now and the videos were great. Loved the Ester Williams video! Voted up!
This is really an interesting hub. I am one of those who watch old movies from my childhood and beyond. I have noted the change over the years in not just bathing suits, but in both women's and men's clothing as well. Today's bathing do indeed emphasize the figure. Thank you for sharing.
KKGals, I am glad you enjoyed the hub. Thank you for your comments.
Peggy, I hope you are right. Thank you so much for your comments.
mquee, I am glad you found the hub to be interesting. I agree it is interesting to see the changes in all the clothing. Thank you for your comments.
The prices went up and the the use of material went down. I can't see how those tongs are comfortable. Thank you for a great review over the century.
Hello, I don't know about the comfort either. Thank you for your comment.
It's interesting to see how the swimsuits have evolved through the years. Imagine buying one for $1.29--what a deal. These days, we've to remove the decimal point and get less coverage for our money. Nice work! Rated up.
Anginwu, You are right. Thanks for your comments.
Bathing suits have sure come a long ways. Very interesting history about them. Loved the pictures. One good thing about the bathing suits in the 1920's is that there was less chance of getting a sunburn :). Enjoyed this hub very much!
I really entertained with this information. Very sexy hub, lots of swimsuit. I enjoy to read the history of swimsuit. Thanks for share with us. Rating up as usual. Love and peace!
Prasetio:)
I love the older styles and the prices that went with them! Really nice hub!
Pamela, great hub on wide variety of suits, I liked the 1940s suit pictured best and a full figured woman to fill it, smile. I watched the runway video and felt my heart pacer shock me back into rhythm when a couple of them were walking away!LOL Great hub, Dusty
Susan, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and thanks for your comments.
Prasetio, I'm glad you enjoyed the history of the bathing suits. Thanks for your comments.
cwarden, I feel the same way! Thank you so much for your comments.
Dusty, I'm glad to know you have that pacemaker for just such events. Thanks for your comments.
Very interesting hub, Pamela. It is amazing to see that some women in this century still have to cover themselves from neck to toes. Unfortunately I will never again enjoy the privilege of wearing a bikini. Those were the days, my friend... Gone with the wind... I enjoyed this hub! Thanks.
Pamela, What a fun hub to read! Loved the pictures. I remember my Mom wearing her one-piece suit in the sixties. Near the end of that decade we had our bikini's. Ah, memories now! Voted up!
Martie, I'm so glad you enjoyed the hub and its sad when the bikini days are gone also. Thanks for your comment.
okmom, Yes, good memories. I remember getting my first two piece before the bikinis and that was the early 60's. Thanks for your comment.
interesting to see how far we've come or gone; depending on how you look at it, in the evolution of swim wear. I enjoyed seeing the pictures that document the many changes in bathing suit fashions over the years. Enjoyable read, great Hub.
Becky, Thank you so much for your comments,
Good hub! Thanks!
Louis, Thank you for your comment.
What a neat piece, Pamela - I want one of those old fashioned ones - I really do! Happy New Year!!
Nice combination of information and eye candy! Good article!
Audry, Maybe in a second hand shop. That are quite unique. Thanks for the comment. Happy New Year!
FCEtier, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. Thanks for your comment.
Cool info, Pam. Now, was that a true photo of your grandparents? or a suggestion that is what their suits would look like?
Denise, That picture is one of my grandparents that I scanned into my computer. I can't imagine swimming in some of those wool garments that cover the whole body but that was the style at the turn of the century. Thanks for your comments.
I have some photos from pre-my-granny that cover a whole lot more woman that the Edwardian models your hub features - yours are much more stylish and appealing. :D
I liked seeing the trends change. I often wonder how many people drowned with allthose clothes on in the earlier times and especially the one where the weights were added.
RedElf, Thanks for your comments. It is interesting to see how they dressed to swim a century ago.
Lady Guinevere, I would imagine that was a problem, especially if they got in a strong current. Thanks for your comment.
Those 1930s swimsuits are sexy! I would buy those!
Ashley, I kind of like them also. Thanks for your comment.
hmmm..very interesting information.nice hub!
Kamran, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comment.
I think I see you in one of the pictures. You probably wear a thong though.
I could only watch half of the video with the models. I'll have nightmares as it is!
Mickey Dee, Poor Mickey, such atrocities you must endure just to participate in those marathon bike adventures. I am certainly glad you gave me the true nature of your adventure.
I finally know the evolution of the swim-wear, today's swimmer is lucky to own such simple and nice suits, we can see the society development of this world from this history.
Sheila, Thanks so much for your comments.
As a scuba diver - I've seen most all of these suits and can honestly say that your best advice in going out in a swimsuit is your advice to, "take a look in the mirror before leaving home." And honestly ask yourself, "Does this make my butt look big?" An honest answer is also important. And, I don't care who you are, unless you are Brad Pitt - Leave the SPEEDO at home. . . . Honest, you look like an idiot in it. I am NOT kidding.
Great hub - I want to look like one of the girls in the D'Amore vid when I grow up! ;-0 . . .just 'sayin!' Thumbs up! Great review!
mwatkins, Your comments are spot on. Thanks so much for your comments.
What a fabulous hub pamela! I love the vintage swimsuits. Rated up!
yenajeon, I love them also. Thanks for your comments.
Love your hub! It's amazing how time changes as well as our sense of fashion from being conservative to revealing. Thanks for the great info. Voted your hub up and awesome.
Cathyrin, Fashions have certainly changes over this past century and it is interesting to look back. Thank you so much for your comments.
I love the 1930's swimsuits, but I dreamed of wearing string bikini, lol
brainstuffsme, I like to see the 1930 swimsuits also but it would be nice to be able to where the string bikini. Thanks so much for your comments.
Great Hub. Its amazing how much swimsuits have evolved. Some of the one piece styles are coming back though!
mysisters, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comments.
It looks like "western" bathing suits are getting more and more revealing. We all know how its gonna be 10 years from now...
BabyGenius, They have certainly changed over the years. thanks for your comment.
Interesting article that has pics of hot and sexy chicks inside.thanks for sharing this.
crystolite, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and appreciate your comments.
I want to find a 1930 Men's two piece bathing suit I can buy and wear. I would prefer it not to be original because I want to wear it often. Even the Old James Bond style shorts would do. Can you help me?
Cameron, I wouldn't know where to find something like that. I guess you could try antique malls or estate sales. Good luck.
I am bowled by your level of understanding on the knowledge. I am so fascinated and I believe you are marvelous at your work.
declatte, I am glad you enjoyed the hub and thank you so much for your gracious comments.
Pamela99,
I love swim fitness so much so I have made a career out of it but oh, the swim suits...loved the history. Delightful hub.
Heads up - for the person seeking vintage clothing - the consignment shop in Whitewater Wisconsin specializes in vintage.
If I might suggest you link back to your Hub Page site for the photo of your grandparent you scanned. If you put a good description, you will definitely get backlinks - great hub - fantastic photo.
GmaGoldie, I love to see vintage clothing also. Thank you so much for your suggestion and I will try that. I appreciate your comments.
Beautiful! I really like the Edwardian Swimsuits. 1930s bathing suits were also very pretty. We are incredibly lucky that today we have so much option when it comes to beach wear, it is great not to be limited by what is fashionable and be able to dress according to what suits you best.
Princess, I fully agree. I do not like to feel I must follow any particular fashion trend. Thank you for your comments.
Great hub! I'd like to see the swimsuits from the 30s and 40s come back into style. While they might hinder swimming as we're used to it, they sure are fashionable.
Heather, I agree. It would be a nice change. Thanks for your comments.
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ghomefitness 17 months ago
I am thinking of the Borat Mankini for this season myself! :0 JK