Womens Swimsuits

Womens swimsuits have always caused an uproar in whatever new mode and style they have been presented in since the dawn of time. Before the world embraced the bikini, it first had to come to terms with the idea of women swimming or bathing in public. Swimwear has not been as scanty as it is now back then, though the same reactions to when the bikini first broke through were pretty much the same when swimwear for women were introduced. Today it’s not uncommon to see a woman walking along the beach wearing a thong bikini bottom with small bandeau top. Here is a look back on how swimsuits for women have evolved.

Women’s Swimsuits today compared to those from the 50′s

Greco-Roman preiod

Swimming was a form of recreation for the early people of this era, and evidences such as portraits of women sporting what looked like modern day bikinis were even uneartherd in Europe. Though swimming in the nude was preferred, there were garments that were used when swimming or playing aquatic sports. However, after the fall of Rome and the beginning of the Dark Ages, watersports and swimwear sank in popularity.

18th century

By the 18th century, swimming or bathing in public expereinced a resurgence, both as a treatment and relaxation activity. Men and women bathed separately and had to wear swimwear for decency’s sake. Women even sewed on lead weights to the hems of their skirts or gowns so as to prevent them from floating up when in water.

Mid 1800s

Bloomers and black stockings eventually became the norm for women who wanted to bathe and swim in public. In the 1880s, the “princess cut,” which had blouse and pants in one piece with an optional skirt to hide the figure, eventually made the rounds of fashion and style catalogues.

Early 1900s

Swimmer and actress Annette Kellerman made a splash in the US after she was arrested wearing a sleeveless and form-fitting one-piece suit. However, this type of swimming apparel was eventually accepted.

1920s

The one-piece affair evolved into the tank suits that became a favorite for women athletes as well as swimmers. These tank suits hugged the body more in wool and jersey fabrics.

1930s

In the 1930s, cotton-printed suits with skirts to hide unsigthly thighs were the rage back then. It was also during this era that a two-piece swimsuit was introduced, allowing for more freedom of movement for the wearer.

1946

Frenchman Louis Reard invents the smaller than the smallest swimsuit, the bikini. At first, the bikini was greeted with a lot of disgust, but eventually made waves even up to the present.

1950s and 60s

For those who were not brave or fit enough to wear a bikini chose corset-type beachwear. These pieces made use of latex fabric and structured bodices that contoured and molded the wearer’s body into a more flattering silhouette.

Other great swimwear sites: Bathing Suits | Halter Top | Bikini Swimsuit | Tiny Bikinis | Bikini Skirt