The Evolution Of Swimsuits Through the Years

Stunning swimwear comes in many gorgeous styles, from the beautiful bikini to the classic one-piece and the remarkable tankini. But how did we end up with these lovely styles? Swimwear has a long and interesting history, and our beach looks have evolved tremendously. 

In this piece, we'll explore the evolution of swimsuits and see how the pieces our great-great grandparents wore to splash in the sea became the swimwear styles we enjoy today.

Georgian and Victorian Swimwear: Bathing Gowns and Princess Suits

Trips to the beach became popular in the 18th century, when doctors advised people to take seaside holidays for their health. Sea air was thought to cure physical and emotional problems, and don’t we all feel better after a holiday?

Read: How to Bring Holiday Style and Confidence to Your Day to Day

People didn’t go swimming in the sea as such, but they did enjoy a paddle. For this, they’d wear long, loose sea dresses that they could hitch up slightly. This evolved into a structured bathing dress with bloomers underneath for modesty in the Victorian era. Alternatively, princess suits featured shorts under skirts, the first one-piece for women!

Men wore one pieces, too, called tank suits, or a vest paired with knee-length briefs.

Early 1900s Swimwear: Swimsuits Become More Functional

Following the introduction of swimming to the Olympics in 1896, swimwear became much more functional. This meant form-fitting swimsuits made from knitted fabric that could stretch. Modesty was still a concern, though, so these swimsuits often had long trouser legs and even long sleeves too. 

However, in the late 1910s and 1920s, swimsuit legs gradually shortened into a length more akin to shorts.

1930s Swimwear: Fashion and Flair Comes to Swimwear

In the 1930s, a health and fitness fad made swimming much more popular as a form of exercise, resulting in fitted one pieces, combining vest-like tops with shorts. Tanned skin also became a trend, meaning sunbathing became a popular pastime, unlike ever before. 

Lastex yarn was also invented in 1931. This material was far superior to the cotton and wool swimwear that was previously worn because it held its shape in and out of the water. 

Iconic designers like Chanel also began creating swimsuits, and Schiaperelli patented a backless swimsuit with a built in brassiere, crafted to help sunbathers avoid tan lines. 

However, swimwear wasn’t completely free from strict societal modesty expectations. Miami Beach wasn’t the skimpy swimwear hotspot it is today, as swimwear laws meant that the hems of women’s swimsuits were measured to ensure that they weren’t too high. It was tough for the men too, as they weren’t allowed to swim bare chested until 1937.

1940s Swimwear: Birth Of The Bikini

In the 1940s we said hello to the bikini. More modest two pieces, often including swim skirts, existed beforehand as a predecessor. Then, in 1946, Louis Reard introduced the bikini to the world. 

Well, actually, the true inventor of the bikini is a little bit of a debate. The Atome, a two piece with a bra top and high waisted briefs was introduced by Jacques Haime in ‘46  just before Reard released a slightly more revealing version, which he named the bikini. Nevertheless, we can all agree that 1946 was the year the bikini was born, a pivotal moment in the evolution of women’s swimwear.

Men flaunted their figures in swimwear during the 1940s, too. Swimming shorts became shorter than before, with James Garner’s 1947 Jantzen magazine shoot showing just how well swimwear could showcase the male physique.

1950s Swimwear: Silver Screens and Sporty Styles

The popularity of fashion swimwear soared in the 1950s, largely thanks to the influence of the silver screen. Hollywood femme fatale Brigitte Bardot appeared onscreen in glamorous bikinis, most notably in ‘Manina, the Girl in the Bikini’. Bardot was a huge fashion icon, and the bikini wasn’t the only look she helped to popularise. Our Bardot tops are named after her shoulder-baring style.

Speedo also introduced nylon to swimwear in the 50s for better waterproofing and stretchiness. This practicality was combined with fun patterns, with polka dots and stripes becoming the most popular choices.

Then, in 1959, the iconic fashion doll Barbie launched, wearing a black and white strapless one-piece and sunglasses - cementing swimsuits as a symbol of fun, feminine style for years to come.

1960s Swimwear: Designers Diversify Style

In the 1960s, more and more designers began releasing swim collections, including Armani, Oscar De La Renta, Calvin Klein and more. 

Skin-baring swimsuits also surged, with Rudi Genreich inventing the risque monokini. While the monokini wasn’t worn by many, strapless styles and bold shapes were frequently seen. Sports Illustrated also released its very first swimsuit collection in 1964, increasing the popularity of more seductive swim styles.

1970s Swimwear: The Teeny Bikini

In the 1970s, elastane was introduced to swimwear, making it more durable and functional. Meanwhile, bikinis became ‘teenier’ and more revealing, and halter-neck styles were all the rage. 

Bright-coloured swimsuits saw a boost, but so did earthy tones, likely due to the boho style at the time.

1990s Swimwear: The Invention Of the Tankini

In 1998, Anne Cole invented the wonderful tankini to offer the coverage of a one-piece and the freedom of a bikini. This style combined a more vest like swim top with briefs, but could also pair beautifully with a swim skirt. If you want to learn more about this particular swim style, just give our tankini styling guide a read.

Modern Swimwear: Embracing Your Unique Style

In the 21st century we have a wider variety of swim styles, taking popular swimsuits from every era, giving beach babes a range of fabulous options. It’s now easier to find the best style for your unique body type, with the growing body positivity movement encouraging everyone to feel confident in their swimwear.

And in 2014, we saw the biggest and most influential moment in the evolution of women’s swimwear yet - we released our first Joe Browns swim collection! Well, perhaps our swim range wasn’t quite as influential as the invention of the bikini and tankini, or the introduction of nylon, but we’re certainly still proud of it. Offering superb styles in vibrant prints and amazing colours, our swimwear is made to get you in the holiday mood. With a range of styling options, you can be as modest or revealing as you like. 

Discover more about what makes Joe Browns swimwear so unique.

Get your style fix from Joe Browns, with fashion guides, exclusive style stories, and a lot of fun along the way...

In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the world of prints, showing you how to choose patterns that not only reflect your unique aesthetic but also flatter your shape and fit seamlessly into your wardrobe.

Fruit prints are popping up everywhere, brightening everything from midi dresses to statement accessories. Ready to squeeze the most out of the season? Here are 6 of our favourite fruity print outfits!