THE HISTORY OF SWIMWEAR
Fashion has witnessed remarkable transformations since the Victorian Era, yet none as striking as the evolution of the swimsuit. In a mere century, this iconic attire has transitioned from flowing, ankle-length gowns to its contemporary counterpart, the barely-there bikini, revealing just how profoundly societal attitudes towards women’s rights and political freedoms have shifted. Embark on a captivating journey through the annals of swimwear history, from modest to micro-mini, to uncover the fascinating story of its evolution across the decades.
The 1800s
In the 1800s, beach trips became a popular leisure pursuit, but the Victorian-era beach experience was a far cry from today’s. Victorian society’s strong sense of modesty greatly influenced women’s beach attire. Early in the 19th century, swimming outfits were known as “Seaside Walking Dresses.” These long-sleeved gowns were made of light-colored muslin and featured multiple layers of fabric to shield a woman’s skin from the sun, preserving a porcelain-white complexion. Accessories like bonnets, gloves, and scarves completed these ensembles. Some women even sewed weights into the hems of their bathing costumes to prevent them from floating in the water.
After the Civil War, beachwear for women began to evolve. The advent of the railroad system allowed people to travel longer distances more quickly, making swimming a popular pastime. In the 1860s and 1870s, bathing dresses remained modest but introduced a new element—the bloomer. These outfits combined puffy pants with long-sleeved tunic dresses made of heavy flannel. Although still somewhat cumbersome, they were more practical for water activities compared to the earlier 1800s gowns.
The Early 1900s
At the turn of the 20th century, shifting cultural norms began to challenge Victorian modesty, even in swimwear. It became acceptable for women to wear short sleeves at the beach. Though still layered, swimming costumes featured knee-length black wool suits paired with calf-length or ankle-length bloomers. While modesty remained, these swimming dresses incorporated ribbons, bows, and nautical-inspired details. Women accessorized with long stockings, belts, and coordinating hairpieces. Lace-up boots became essential beach footwear, protecting delicate feet from shoreline rocks and pebbles.
The 1910s
The early 1900s, marked by World War I and the industrial revolution, brought significant changes to swimwear. Heavy, multi-layered wool swimming dresses were no longer suitable. Women sought attire that allowed ease of movement, and the 1910s answered their call. Swimming suits became more form-fitting, featuring sleeveless blouses instead of heavy tunics or dresses. For the first time, women could flaunt their curves in the water.
Annette Kellerman, an Australian athlete, played a pivotal role in shaping swimwear during this era. Known for her attempts to swim the English Channel, she introduced the scandalous concept of a one-piece swimsuit without pantaloons, consisting of a form-fitting leotard and hosiery. Kellerman’s bold fashion choice garnered attention, and she even faced arrest for public indecency. Despite controversy, Kellerman popularized synchronized swimming and advocated for her own line of bathing suits, known as “Annette Kellermans,” which propelled women’s swimwear into a more modern era.
The 1920s & 1930s
The 1920s witnessed shorter hemlines and shifting societal norms, extending to swimwear. One-piece swimsuits with form-fitting tops and long shorts became the norm, showing more skin than ever before. Jantzen, a sportswear company, played a crucial role by coining the term “swim suit” and producing ribbed jersey swimwear. Their “Red Diving Girl” advertising campaign forever changed the perception of swimwear. Sportswear emerged as a significant fashion element.
As the 1920s transitioned into the 1930s, swimwear featured brighter colors, lower necklines, and shorter hemlines, albeit still met with controversy. Beaches even employed police to measure swimsuit hemlines in a bid to maintain modesty.
The 1940s
In 1946, a pivotal moment in swimwear history occurred in Cannes, France. Lingerie designer Louis Réard introduced the world’s smallest bathing suit—the bikini. On July 5, 1946, model Micheline Bernardini donned the world’s first bikini. While many considered it ghastly and inappropriate, the bikini style gained popularity in subsequent decades.
1950s & 1960s
The rise of media catapulted the bikini into stardom. Initially considered scandalous, it was even banned from the 1951 Miss America Pageant’s swimsuit competition. However, when Hollywood icons like Bridget Bardot, Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, and Marilyn Monroe embraced the bikini, it became a coveted item. In the 1960s, the bikini evolved into a symbol of women’s rights and rebellion during the sexual revolution. Songs like “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini” and movies like “Dr. No” cemented the bikini’s status as a cultural icon.
1970s – Now
In the modern era, swimwear continued its role as a symbol of allure, with celebrities like Farrah Fawcett, Bo Derek, and Pamela Anderson making it a staple in popular culture. The 2010s saw a resurgence of change as swimwear became a tool for promoting diversity. Plus-sized model Ashley Graham graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition in 2016, sparking a trend of featuring women of all shapes, colors, and sizes in swimwear. While swimwear has come a long way from the Victorian Era’s modest bathing dresses, it continues to drive cultural and societal change.
Have a look at our shop @ Victorian era swimwear
