Swimming pools have been around for thousands of years but the bathing or swimming costume is a relatively new invention in comparison. Take a look at how these outfits have changed over time and you may be amazed. How many of these do you remember?

Early 1900s

Towards the end of the Victorian era, early 20th century swimwear was very similar to everyday clothing. Women wore special swimming dresses or ‘bathing gowns’ with bloomers. It was important that when wet these costumes would not go see through and they were often weighted so the hem lines would not rise.

Men wore suits which resembled their thermal underwear which were form-fitting and made of wool. They had long sleeves and long legs too.

The 1920s

The 1920’s made waves in the swimwear industry as styles began to allow for more skin on show. Women no longer wore dresses but a sleeveless tank suit instead. This was much sexier as it was form fitting unlike its predecessor. There was a rule however that they could not be more than 6 inches above the knee!

Men’s swimwear also changed during this time. Designs moved away from the underwear look and focused more on the physical form and athletic shapes.

 

The 1930s

The next decade saw the backless one piece introduced. These were highly popular and began to shape the swimsuit as we know it today.

The 1940s

The beginning of the 40s continued the trend of bathing suits with a slight twist – a halter top! These had an attractive corset-style to them which accentuated the figure. The first ever bikini was seen in 1946 and was co-created by French engineer Louis Réard and fashion designer Jacques Heim.

The 1950s

Although the bikini had been invented they were only for the young and the brave, one piece suits were still very popular in the 50’s. In this decade however it was not what you wore on your body which was important but rather what you wore on your head. The 1950’s saw the rise in popularity of rubber swim caps – especially the ones covered in colourful flowers.

Thanks to a growing middle class there was a huge demand for leisurewear for men. Terry-lined cabana sets became popular which in turn began the trend for Hawaiian print shirts.

The 1960s

With the swinging 60’s came body confidence and modesty was thrown out the window. Bikini’s dominated and everything was cut lower. Newer and better fabrics were invented during the 60’s too.

Rudi Gernrich, an Austrian-born American fashion designer, revolutionised the swimwear industry at this time with his new radical designs. He introduced the thong for men and the monokini and topless swimsuit for women. Gernrich was also one of the first to use plastic and vinyl in his designs.

The 1970s

Bikini’s changed in the 70’s so they were higher cut – and high waisted too! It was all about flaunting what you had in this decade. This was an experimental time with designers where lots of styles were tried and tested.

The 1980s

The 1980’s were all about bright colours. Bathing costumes went neon and high cut to grab attention. Although a speedo is often frowned upon these days, they were highly fashionable for the men of the 80’s. There was an almost obsession with physical fitness and these lycra briefs showed off the body to its best.

The 1990s

The high waist was still on trend yet bikinis had now become adjustable similarly to bras. Men’s swimwear continued to be influenced by athleticism however the influence of the Calvin Klein boxer brief saw speedo like bottoms become shorts. For those who were interested in surfing there was nothing better than a board short.

The Noughties Onwards

Anything goes these days. Whether you want to cover up in a one piece or show off in an itsy bitsy bikini you are sure to find something for you on the high street. Fashions come and go and sitting next to a swimming pool has become something of a fashion show.

So are you a bloomers or bikini girl? Or maybe you’re a guy who appreciated a good mankini?