Now there are swimsuits for every taste: open and one-piece, printed and double-sided, with decoration and purely sporty. But it was not always so. Let’s look at how fashion has changed over the past 300 years, and what are the main types of swimsuits on the market today.
The need for women’s swimwear only appeared in the 18th century. Then swimming in open water began to be considered healthy, although not very suitable for young ladies. Women’s swimwear has always complied with the moral standards of the era. In the 18th and 19th centuries, women were required to demonstrate modesty and chastity. Therefore, people came to public baths in a closed dress, pantaloons and stockings made of wool or cotton. The material became heavy with water, making any activity difficult.
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In 1896, swimming was included in the program of the Olympic Games, recognizing it as a competitive sport. True, women were not allowed to compete for another 16 years. It was only in 1912 that the world had to look at the women’s swimsuit in a new way — from the point of view of convenience and functionality.
The advent of functional swimsuits
Annette Kellerman is an important name in the history of swimsuit fashion. She was a professional swimmer and actress who popularized more revealing and functional swimsuits.
In 1907, Annette took part in a swim in front of the British royal family, but everything almost fell apart because of the athlete’s “scandalous” costume. It looked like a T-shirt with shorts and left the legs exposed. For the morals of that time, this was nonsense, but Annette flatly refused to perform in a non-functional swimsuit that would slow down her speed. As a compromise, she had to add wool stockings to her swimsuit.
Later, Annette began acting in films. Her graceful and toned physical shape, as well as her charisma, attracted the attention of many women, who began to perceive swimsuits in her style as an alternative to the uncomfortable outfits of the time.
The market for functional swimwear began to develop with the advent of new technologies in textile production. In many ways, the pioneers were the Australian brand Speedo, which has been experimenting with swimwear fashion since 1914. It was they who owned the first swimsuit models made of nylon (1956) and elastane (1970). But let’s return to swimsuits as an attribute of fashion.
The evolution of fashionable swimwear from the 20s of the last century to today.
Swimsuits have been knitted and uncomfortable for a long time. They often lost their shape from water, were heavy and had only one purpose — to emphasize the modesty of the girl who wears it.
Everything gradually began to change in the 30s of the last century, along with a change in society’s attitude towards tanning. From vulgar, it gradually became desirable, and in 1932, Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli patented a swimsuit with an open back and a built-in bra for the sole purpose of avoiding tan lines from the straps of the swimsuit while sunbathing.
Nowadays the term bikini is used more widely, meaning an open two-piece swimsuit, often with strings. It is already perceived more calmly around the world, although not in all countries.
Maillot, monokini, tankini and so on are subtypes of swimsuits. More details about them:
Maillot swimsuit is a general name for one-piece swimsuits, often with a closed back. These swimsuits are chosen for beach holidays, swimming in the pool or other activities in the water. It fits a variety of body types and offers comfort and freedom of movement. It can be on one shoulder, with a deep neckline, with ties or with a belt. How did the one-piece swimsuit go from being considered exclusively sporty to becoming part of pop culture? The series “Baywatch” (1980-1990s) did a lot for the reputation of the one-piece swimsuit. It became a symbol of beach style and aesthetics of the time. Women wearing one-piece swimsuits with high-cut thighs and plunging necklines became icons of fashion and sexuality. Under the influence of pop culture, one-piece swimsuits have become more diverse and are no longer associated only with conservatism and modesty.
What is a monokini?
The term refers to designer Rudi Gernreich. His monokini is a one-piece swimsuit that leaves the chest completely exposed. In 1964, Gernreich presented it in his collection and caused a huge scandal in society. The monokini became a symbol of the sexual revolution and the liberation of the female body. What do we mean by monokini today? The main idea is to create the effect of a combined swimsuit, while highlighting certain parts of the body and providing a bold and sexy look. Monokinis can have a variety of cutouts, open sides, cutouts on the stomach or back, and options with straps, ties, or clasps. What is a tank swimsuit? Isn’t this the same as a tankini? A tank is a style of swimsuit that consists of two parts: a top that covers the stomach + part or all of the back, and panties. A distinctive feature of a tank swimsuit is that the upper part usually has a fit that resembles a top or T-shirt.
A tankini can refer to a one-piece swimsuit in this style. Often, this is the category of maternity swimwear.
What swimsuit top is trending today?
The bandeau is a completely strapless swimsuit style. Elastic bands or sewn-in foam cups are often used to support the breasts.
Bandeau swimsuits allow you to get an even tan and are ideal for women with small breasts. Halter — the straps of such a swimsuit are tied at the neck and provide good support for the chest. They can be wide, thin, solid, or crossed on the back.
What kind of panty fit is popular?
Retro style has been in fashion for the last couple of years — high waist and high thigh cut. But Brazilian slips with decorative elements do not lose their position either. How technological developments will impact the swimsuit market in 2023 You can now find any swimsuit design on the beach or by the pool. Women choose what suits their taste and fits their body type. With the advancement of technology, expectations for the functionality of fabric have changed. A modern swimsuit should not fade in the sun or react with sunscreen cosmetics or water composition.
In 2023, people are much more careful in their relationships with the sun than they were 50 years ago. For active recreation such as rafting, surfing or wakeboarding, choose long sleeve models . So, in part, swimsuit fashion has taken two steps forward and one step back. You won’t see anyone wearing an open swimsuit anymore, and photoaging, unfortunately, is a reality. Therefore, from April to October, do not forget about high SPF care, regardless of the swimming season.