If you thought women’s hairstyles are the only thing that changed over the last century, think again. Bikinis have undergone a major transformation over the decades. Join us as we take a look back at what women wore to the beach or to lounge around the pool from the 1910s to today.
Short History of Swimsuit Change
In the early 1900s, women’s swimsuits were a lot different than what we’re used to seeing today. They were more like knee-length dresses over bloomers. But that’s nothing compared to the 1800s when bathing suits looked more like gowns and barely showed any skin at all. See more with our swimwear in the early days.
In the 1910s, swimsuits became a lot more form-fitting with shorter skirts and women would be punished for wearing swimsuits that were deemed “too revealing”. In 1913, the world’s first functional two-piece bathing costume was invented and it was made of wool.
By the 1920s, swimwear became far more form-fitting and shorter and women loved it because tighter bathing suits made swimming more comfortable. Soon, deep boatnecks became the latest trend, and the armholes in swimsuits got a whole lot bigger.
The swimsuit colors also became much brighter, allowing women to pick a color that suited their personalities. Women were still wearing swim caps, though, and swimming hats with chin straps to keep from flying off from a gust of wind.
By the 1930s, swimsuits started looking a lot more like one-piece men's suits, and showing skin became a little more socially acceptable. However, the belly button still remained covered. Form-fitting looks became more popular and women were opting for one-piece swimsuits that showed their back and were cut higher in the leg area.
But instead of wool, which was a stiff and uncomfortable material, these new bathing suits were made of rubber-based materials. Latex was introduced during this time, and this elastic-based textile made swimwear far more comfortable and lighter too.
By the time the 1940s rolled around, the bikini concept really took off and the world’s first two-piece string bikini was invented. The whole ensemble consisted of a halter top and a pair of shorts. One-piece swimsuits were still cool but were modified to look like a short, tight dress with thin straps and a v-neck. See our detailed 1950s swimsuit section.
In the 1950s, the style of the one-piece and two-piece suits from the 1940s hadn’t changed much but the material used to make them did an epic makeover. Instead of rubber-based materials, designers started using nylon and elastic, making the suits more comfortable.
By the 1960s, the So-Cal style beach party bikinis had gone mainstream in America and soon bikinis were popping up everywhere, and women wouldn’t go anywhere tropical without packing a few bikinis.
In the 1970s, string bikinis rose in popularity, and the new models allowed people to show off their bodies more. They came in a variety of vibrant patterns and colors so naturally, everyone wanted one. Then, the thong bikini bottoms with a low waist and half-string back were introduced in Brazil in 1974, raising some eyebrows as this style left very little to the imagination.
In the 1980s, bikini bottoms were cut even higher than ever before so they became even more popular. The style features a scooped neckline and a thong-style bikini bottom and because it was the 80s, animal prints, and bright neon colors were all the rage.
In the 1990s, swimwear designers went for a more minimalistic approach, featuring cleaner lines and this is when the tankini was born. This super comfy swimsuit was modern and styled in an unconventional way and they came in super cool patterns and bright colors.
During the 2000s, the tankini brought modesty back to the bikini concept, with the top half resembling a standard tank top while the bottom resembled a traditional bikini bottom. Of course, the two-piece swimsuit was still going strong as well.
In the 2010s swimwear designers started making body-inclusive bikinis that encouraged and were made for women of any size.
Now, in the 2020s, designers are looking for new ways to accentuate the female body so there is an addition of a body wire to add some lift to the upper body. There’s also a mix of tropical prints, cutouts, and retro styles that make everyone feel like they’re on vacation, whether you’re enjoying an adventure on a short cruise or relaxing in the tropics.
