Swimsuits Throughout History

#1 The 1920's: Swimsuits made of wool

Most swimsuits were made of wool in the 1920's, and if a woman dared to go to the beach in a swimsuit that was too revealing, she was simply sent home! Speedo broke ground this decade by inventing a non-wool swimsuit model.

#2 The 1930's: Wool is officially out!

During this decade, a move was made away from the bulky old wool models that plagued the 1920's. Latex and other fabrics became mainstream.

Latex and more form-fitting fabrics were incorporated into swimwear, moving away from the more restrictive wool swimsuits of previous years. ‘Molded fit’ helped define the bustline for the first time in the history of swimwear, adding to the more defined shape of the era.

#3 The 1940's: The bikini was born

Hello, bikini! In 1946, the swimsuit split in half when Louis Réard introduced the world to the bikini. Named after the atomic bomb testings at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, Réard chose the name because he expected the same explosive results from his invention. The bikini’s popularity was boosted by a wartime conservation of fabric.

#4 The 1950's: Corseted one-piece suits

Swimsuits became more constructed in the 1950s, adopting a more corseted style. Although bikinis were also popular, Marilyn Monroe made a one-piece look good.

#5 The 1960's: California Surfing Culture

Swimwear continued to get smaller and smaller, and swimwear styles were influenced by the California beach party trend and the rise of surfing culture, seen in many films like Beach Blanket Bingo, which was just one in a series of popular beach party films starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello.

#6 The 1970's: So many options to choose from

Actress Farrah Fawcett became the face of swimsuits during the 1970s in America, with her iconic swimsuit poster selling over 12 million copies in 1975. Swimsuit colors were vivid, and styles varied more widely than ever before. One-pieces, bikinis, fun cover-ups - the opportunities to have fun with beach fashion were endless!

1990s

Bright colors, ‘90s fashion, and a sporty lifestyle influenced swimwear of the decade. One iconic, athletic look was Pamela Anderson’s red Baywatch swimsuit. High-cut legs continued to be in fashion, a trend which began in the 1980s. You might also remember the tankini, which was introduced in the ‘90s as well. So much look, so little time!

#7 Present day

Bikinis and one-pieces cater to all sorts of body types, and many vintage trends are back in style. Wear what makes you feel good, ladies!

(Source: amazingviralpics.com, buzzfeed.com)