How swimsuits became pieces of fashion

Some facts:

In the last few decades, swimsuits have changed a lot, and they keep adapting to the new styles and trends (becoming more colorful).
The women’s swimsuits usually resembled gowns in the 1800s and early 1900s.
In the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s, swimsuit laws were introduced across the U.S. at some beaches, and women could be prosecuted if deputy members found their look too revealing.

We decided to share a brief historical overview of this beautiful piece of beachwear since BEACH SEASON has already begun.

1910s

With the introduction of rail transport, people were able to easily cover thousands of miles, and this allowed tourism to grow. Even the higher class members weren’t used to undress in public. So, clothing items were required that they could spend time on the beach in. The first women’s swimsuit consisted of long pants and a dress.

1920s

In later years the Olympics inspired the swimwear trend. When swimming was announced as an official sport, it became clear that large swimsuits stopped participants from delivering the best results. In 1912, female swimmers shocked the public with their revealing swimsuits displaying their arms and legs. After that, many women decided to follow their example.

1930s

The design of swimsuits in the 1930s was close to that of the previous decade, but they began to be rendered in a number of different colors. Also, tanned skin became trendy, thanks to Coco Chanel, and women started adding various accessories to underline their tan.

1940s

Louis Réard, who ran a family underwear company, found that women often rolled up their swimsuits for a better tan. That inspired him to shape the bikini. He launched the new style of a women’s swimsuit in 1946. Public reaction was conflicting as people weren’t ready for such a revealing clothing piece.

1950s

In the winter of 1950s, a Los Angeles fashion designer called Rose Marie Reid – already known for designing for stars like Marilyn Monroe’s beachwear invented a one-piece bath suit made of elastic Fabric that could just be put on. Reid, who already owned many patents relating to a bathing suit, had just developed the earliest version of the popular one-piece suit.

1960s

In the 1960s, fashionistas chose different models of swimsuits, but the main thing was that bath suit was now made of new elastic and a fast-drying material called Lycra.

1970s

Till the 1970s, women were no longer able to resist the bikini and began buying this small swimsuit that was so convenient to get the perfect tan.

1980s

Because pool parties got popular, one-piece swimsuits were back in fashion in the 1980s. Those who tried to get tan, however, still preferred the bikini.