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Swimming and modesty
The 19th century was when more people became attracted to the idea of swimming. women began entering bodies of water recreationally for fun. During this time women still wanted to maintain their modesty, so the swimming outfit of choice was a bathing dress, drawers and stockings, often made of wool or cotton. When wet these dresses would become heavy, keeping women covered. Women would also add weights to their dresses if the fabric wasn't heavy enough. -
Princess Suits replace the traditional dress
During this time, an alternative to swimsuits would be created: the princess suit. This swimsuit was made similar to the rompers of today, with a long sleeve blouse sewn into a pair of trousers. This swimsuit maintained women's modesty without the need for extra coverage that comes with a dress. -
Swimsuits become functional
By this time, women were permitted to compete in the Olympics. To compete in the swimming categories, women swapped their princess suits for sleek, more formfitting full-body swimsuits. -
Introduction of Lastex
Swimsuits began being produced with Lastex, a latex yarn. This material proved to be better suited for beach conditions than the wool and knitted fabrics of the past. The inclusion of this yarn helped swimsuits hold it form both in and outside of water. With this newfound versatility, swimsuits of more colors and prints were able to be made, providing more options for women. -
Swimming for health
This was the start of the health and fitness movement among women. This movement emphasized the importance of a fit and slim physique, so many modern women began to turn to swim as a “ladylike” form of exercise. High fashion designers began producing swimsuits at the time, but they were not worn by everyday people. -
The creation of the bikini
Marked as one of the most significant moments in swimsuit history, the bikini was created by Jacques Hiem and Louis Reard. Even though these two created different versions of the bikini, the same premise: triangles of fabric created to replace the classic full-body swim garment. The early version of the bikini was notably worn by French model and dancer Micheline Bernardini. -
The bikini goes mainstream
Hollywood actress Bridget Bardot was the first actress to wear a bikini on screen in the US. Debuting the two-piece in the film Manina, The Girl In The Bikini. This gave the bikini the push it needed to become mainstream, with many women sporting them to the beach. Bikinis were also becoming fashionable, with the perception of them changing from a “state of undress” to a state of dress in itself. -
The rise of the 'Monokini'
The monokini was created by Rudi Gernreich. This swimsuit was a topless garment composed of swim bottoms held up by two small halter strings. This garment was instantly banned on most public beaches, as it was too exposing. More modest versions of this swimsuit were created based on this design, and the monokini became one of the most popular swimsuit styles of the time. -
Bikinis and the Sexual Revolution
It’s at this point in history that swimwear becomes smaller and more diverse. At the peak of the Sexual Revolution, bikinis reflected the values of the people. Highlighted by things like crochet and fringe, bikinis of this time featured barely there cuts that emphasized the need for sexual liberation. -
Baywatch makes waves
The television drama Baywatch exposed the public to their high-cut, hip-baring red swimsuits, which quickly became a desired style of swimsuit among women of the 90s. -
Swimsuits of today
Swimsuits now come in a wide variety of different cuts, patterns, materials, and styles to allow today’s women to express themselves however they want, whenever they want.