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Bathing Gowns: Entering the 19th century, the popularity of recreational aquatics rose. It was considered unladylike for women to swim, so bathing suits were designed to uphold their modesty. Bathing Gowns were typically made of wool, and included a dress, drawers, and stockings. The silhouettes were fitted and reflected women's fashion to allow a 'proper' appearance. The heavy material was not suitable for swimmming, so women's mobility in the water was highly limited.
Princess Suit: Nearing the end of the Victorian Era, this one-piece bathing suit entered the scene. The blouse was attached to the bottoms, which originally featured a mid-length skirt. These suits were still very restrictive of movement in the water, but were less heavy as they were made of cotton or other knits, as opposed to wool. At the end of the 19th century, the trousers were shortened so that they could not be seen under the skirt.
Two-Piece: In 1913, Carl Jantzen invented the first bathing suit with a separate top and bottom. This featured a long tank top, knee-length shorts, and was typically worn with a matching cap and knee-high socks. This suit was made with thick wool, but allowed for greater movement in the water. During this time, social ideals were reforming, but many commercial producers were still lagging behind.
Form-Fitting Suits: The 1930's brought the fitness movement into society, which favored athletic physiques. Women were encouraged to partake in regular exercise, including swimming. This led to tighter swimwear that hugged the body, and materials that were less absorbent. As women spent more time in the sun, tanning also grew in popularity. Designers began producing more revealing swimwear with less straps to avoid tan lines. Shapely, womanly figures were more desired, and ill-fitting dresses soon went out of style.
Lastex & Bikinis: Lastex yarn and new materials began to be widely used in swimsuit production. This allowed suits to hold their shape in and out of the water, which not only upheld womens' modesty, but also increased their comfort. Female figures were accentuated by fuller mini skirts and cinched waists, which carried beauty standards toward the hourglass figure. In the 1946, the bikini was invented and changed womens swimwear forever. Jacques Heim and Louis Reard are credited with this invention.
Speedo & Nylon: Leading up to the 70s, nylon was introduced to swimwear production. Though initially used in men's competitive swim shorts, the material was slowly incorporated into womens fashion as well. Speedo introduced elastane to swimwear in the 70s. The hydrodynamic materials put in to production increased the durability of swimwear and revolutionized the industry. This time period was huge for the improvement in swimwear, as designers continually experimented with shape and style. String bikinis also became popular in the 70s.
Go-to styles: The 80s brought about bright colors and patterns in fashion and design, and this trend carried in to swimwear. Bikinis and form-fitted one pieces were the status quo. High cut legs and strapless bikini tops rose in popularity, as swimwear began to be seen as sexier, and the stigma around revealing styles fell away. At the end of the 1980s, the popular TV show Baywatch re-popularized the one piece with its iconic red swimsuit.
Tankinis: The 1990s brought about several swimwear styles. The high-cut look from the 80s continued and paved the way for more cutouts- allowing one pieces to be just as risque as bikinis. Embellishments were added to swimwear, including belts and bold patterns. At the end of the decade, tankinis were introduced to the market. Paired with bikini bottoms or boyshorts, this camisole top was all the rage. Mini swim skirts made a comeback as a nod to vintage styles, as well.
More of the same: The early 2000s are known for low-waisted clothes. This fashion trend continued to increase popularity of the tankini throughout the decade, often pairing it with low-waist bikini bottoms. It was a fun, but fuller coverage style that was loved by women of all body types. Swimsuit styles were highly influenced by media during this time, too. The Notebook re-introduced plaid patterns and the Summer Olympics sparked the adoption of sportier one pieces.
Today, we see swimwear trends and styles of all kinds. Starting in the 2010s, the body positivity movement grew and swim style was less focused on catering to the classic 'beach-body' look. High-waisted bikini bottoms were brought back into style and continue to be loved and worn today. But, this trend is also paired with bikinis becoming slinkier and more revealing. Thanks to social media, lots of swimwear is designed for the aesthetic rather than functionality. Strappier, thinner bikinis are equally as popular today.