LIFESTYLE AUTHOR
Emily Metzger
THE EVOLUTION OF THE SWIMSUIT n Dive into how the swimsuit has changed through the ages.
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reating a swimwear-themed magazine issue would be incomplete without diving into the rich history and evolution of the swimsuit itself. Between the industrial and material innovations and the rise and fall of trends, both men and women have experienced a diverse yet fascinating relationship with beachwear. Various styles defined the different eras, so let’s take a look at the everchanging transformation of swimwear.
Early 1900s Looking back, swimsuits have changed quite a bit from what they once were. For women, early 1900s swimwear had most of the arms and legs covered. Although this style was less restrictive than the popular Victorian-style swimsuit, it still made swimming or playing in the water a difficult task because of the heavy material. Men also wore modest swimwear. Tank suits — swimwear attire that had short sleeves or straps — were considered typical.
1920s and 1930s Starting in the Roaring ‘20s, women began wearing more figure-hugging tank suits made from jersey wool. Then, in the 1930s, came the rise of elastic which allowed for a more comfortable and movable fit. Boys, on the other hand, usually opted for the one-piece tank top with attached shorts. Large, horizontal stripes or solid colors were the dominant design trend during this time period.
MAY 2021
18
