How swimwear has changed throughout history (thankfully, 2010 is over!)

Until the end of the 18th century, people swam wearing underwear or nothing at all, because they didn’t feel the need to wear special suits for that. But everything changed with the arrival of tourism and the emergence of bathing suits, which were changing and adapting to the passage of time, according to the new demands of society.

In this post you will be able to observe how humanity began to say goodbye to certain restrictions and what events left their marks on swimsuits, bikinis and swim trunks.

O awesome.club decided to make a brief foray into the history of this important summer piece.

With the arrival of rail transport, it became easier and faster to travel hundreds of thousands of kilometers, which contributed to the development of tourism and the emergence of popular tourist centers.

But representatives of the upper class did not want to undress in public. Thus, the need arose to create a piece of clothing with which it would not be embarrassing to appear on the beach. The first women’s swimwear was made as if it were a dress with pants. The men swam wearing shorts with the top closed, so as not to embarrass people with their furry torsos.

Another important distinguishing feature of the early 20th century was bathing machines, which made it possible to maintain good manners, hiding bathers from prying eyes. The women got into the bathing machine on the beach, changed their clothes, and walked straight out into the water. These machines moved on rails, thanks to the help of horses.

Later, the Olympic Games had an influence on the appearance of beach and pool pieces. When swimming was included in the competition program, it became evident that bulky garments were uncomfortable for athletes. In 1912, the swimmers surprised the public with their daring models: their pieces no longer covered their arms or legs. Of course, other women also wanted more freedom. And in that way, the pieces became much bolder.

In the 1930s, the appearance of bathing suits remained the same, but different colors emerged. In addition, thanks to Coco Chanel, tanned skin came into fashion, so women began to highlight their tan, using accessories. And men started showing their torso and appearing in public only wearing shorts.

World War II influenced every aspect of life as well as the swimwear trend. It was necessary to reduce the use of natural fibers in the production of these pieces. Therefore, a two-part model emerged.

Louis Réard, who owns a family-owned underwear production company, noticed that women used to roll up the edges of their bathing suits on the beach to get an even tan. That’s how the bikini idea came about. In 1946, a new model was presented, but the display of the female belly button scandalized the public, as people were not yet prepared for such boldness.

The film world could not leave the bikini off the screen, as the girls wearing this piece attracted the public, making each film a guarantee of success at the box office. The first woman who dared to appear in a bikini outside a film set was the lovely Brigitte Bardot, on a beach in Cannes, France.

In the 1960s, fashion-mad women opted for different styles of swimwear, but what was important was that they were made from a new stretchy, quick-drying material called lycra.

In the 1970s, young women could no longer resist the bikini and, after overcoming their own shyness, they began to buy comfortable pieces for sunbathing. Manufacturers were so inspired by the demand for this model that they started adding “quini” endings to all other swimwear. Thus, for example, the monokini was born: a one-piece model with deep cuts on the sides.

In the 1980s, the swimsuit trend returned, as poolside parties began to become popular. But women who went to the beach to get a tan opted for the bikini, which ended up becoming smaller and smaller.

In the 1990s, many watched the SOS Malibu, and the most spectacular moment of the series was seeing Pamela Anderson and her co-stars running in slow motion. Of course, no one could forget about the girls’ “uniforms”: a red swimsuit that became very popular.

In those years, tiny bikinis once again took the first place in fashion, but they were complemented with pieces of different sizes: from tiny skirts to sarongs, with which you could make a dress or a long skirt.

In the 2010s, uncomfortable models came back: monokinis (which look great, but ruin the tan) and the strapless top, in the “hopeless” style, which only the lucky girls could manage. “tame”.

This year, high-waisted retro fashion is at the top of fashion, as are the stylish ones. sporty chic in bright neon tones and the classic bikini, ideal model to achieve a more uniform tan.

Is that you? Which swimwear model do you prefer? Leave your opinion in the comments section.