A Brief History of Swimwear

I have been working in the swimwear industry for about 2 years now, researching fabrics, talking to manufacturers, doing market research, etc. I have been doing a lot, and even though it’s been 2 years, I still feel very new in this industry. My focus has been on making and selling swimwear, but all this time, I never really took the time to learn more about its history.

So, I figured the best place to start is the beginning, right? How did swimwear develop over the years? What did it look like a 100 or even a 1000 years ago? There are many factors influencing these developments, but since this article is called ‘A Brief History,’ I am not diving too deep into all these factors. The following summary is mostly based on the history of Europe and the United States. But I definitely want to research the evolution of swimwear across the world in the future as well. For now, let’s just start here, shall we?

Ancient Times (a very long time ago)

If we take a look at ancient Greece and Rome, swimming and bathing in minimal clothing were most common. However, murals have been found showing women playing sports in two-piece suits (like the bikini), but it is not certain if these were also used for swimming.

Middle Ages (500-1500)

1700s

In the late 18th century, seaside leisure became popular. However, this century was heavily focused on modesty, especially for women. Bathing costumes for women were typically full-length dresses made from heavy fabrics like wool or flannel to maintain this modesty. In private places, men often swam nude, but in public settings, they would wear knee-length drawers or a one-piece suit covering from neck to the knees.

1800s

By the mid-19th century, men began to wear more practical swimwear. The suits were still from neck to the knees or ankles and made from wool (which doesn’t sound very practical to me) but the fit was more tailored. Women’s bathing costumes were still not very practical at all. The typical outfit included a dress over pantaloons and often had puffed sleeves and high collars. You might wonder the same thing as I did: “How did they not drown?!” Well, that is why I am using the term ‘bathing suits’; they were designed to bathe, not for actual swimming. By the late 19th century, women’s suits got a bit shorter, to knee-length, but were still worn over trousers that went down to their ankles.

1900s

1920s

New developments in fabric and design shaped the future of swimwear. The 1920s saw the introduction of new synthetic fibres like Rayon, a semi-synthetic fibre much lighter and more breathable than wool and with better water resistance. However, wool was still the most common fabric used in swimwear during this decade. Swimwear continued to gradually become more practical and streamlined. Women's one-piece suits had shorter hemlines and lower necklines for greater movement and comfort, but still had long sleeves. Men’s suits also became shorter and sleeveless.

1930s

The change in swimwear between the 1920s and 1930s was quite significant. A synthetic rubber yarn named "Lastex" was introduced. It’s a type of elastic yarn made from rubber and cotton. By using this instead of wool, it was possible to create more figure-hugging swimwear and, most of all, more practical designs. Women’s swimwear in the 1930s featured more streamlined and fitted one-piece designs. These suits often had lower necklines and sometimes even belts to accentuate the figure. Men’s swimwear became more streamlined and was cut just above the knee; however, men were still not allowed to show a bare torso.

1940s

World War II had a significant impact on fashion, including swimwear. Fabric shortages and rationing influenced swimsuit designs, making them simpler and more practical. After World War II, there was a greater emphasis on leisure and athleticism, and designs became more elaborate. The bikini was introduced, although in the beginning, this was still seen as controversial due to its revealing nature. For men, the shift was from formal one-piece suits to shorter, functional trunks that were knee-length.

1950s

The bikini gained popularity throughout the 1950s and became a more acceptable garment. Designs became more varied, including high-waisted bottoms and different top styles, such as halters and bandeaus. The one-piece swimsuit continued to be popular, featuring more figure-flattering cuts. The use of stretchy, elastic materials like Lycra and nylon became more common, further improving fit and comfort. Men’s swimwear continued the trend of shorter, more comfortable trunks. Styles were generally knee-length or slightly above, focusing on practicality and ease of movement.

1960s

Not much changed for women's swimwear, although it became more accepted to wear more revealing swimwear with plunging necklines and open backs. The same for men’s swimwear—it didn’t change too much. In this decade, the Speedo, the swim brief as we all know it, hit the market and was popular among competitive swimmers who’d often wear two-piece suits: the Speedo and a tank top.

1970s

This decade was marked by vibrant and innovative swimwear designs for both men and women. Women’s swimwear featured bold patterns, high-cut bikinis, and daring one-pieces, while men’s swimwear became shorter and more casual. The Speedo became a common choice for recreational swimmers as well.

1980s

Swimwear in the 80s was highly influenced by TV shows like “Baywatch.” The focus was on sporty and athletic looks, and the high-cut bikini became even more popular. In men’s swimwear, the shorter swim trunks and swim briefs (like Speedos) gained more and more popularity. Board shorts, already introduced in the 1950s, gained popularity among surfers. These longer shorts provided more coverage and were designed for both water sports and casual wear.

1990s

Styles remained quite similar, with the biggest change in this decade being developments in materials such as chlorine-resistant fabrics and blends with Lycra or spandex. These materials offered better fit, comfort, and durability. Board shorts became the mainstream choice for recreational swimmers, but swim briefs were picking up momentum and gaining in popularity.

2000s

Styles were very trend-based, influenced by celebrities and the media. Mix-and-match bikinis gained popularity, allowing women to combine different tops and bottoms for a personalised look. Board shorts remained a dominant style for men, especially those involved in surfing, but now swim trunks gained popularity for leisure use, offering a more relaxed fit compared to board shorts.

2010s

New styles in women’s swimwear emerged, like bandeau tops, off-the-shoulder designs, and bralette tops. Brands focused on creating swimwear that offered both style and practicality. The body positivity movement influenced swimwear trends, with more brands offering inclusive sizing and designs that catered to a wide range of body types. Board shorts were now available in shorter versions, and classic swim trunks with a more tailored fit gained some popularity.

2020s

Today, we’re seeing a significant increase in swimwear made from sustainable materials, such as recycled ocean plastics and organic fabrics. Brands are focusing on reducing environmental impact. Retro swimwear made a reappearance, including high-waisted bottoms, retro one-pieces, and classic cuts with modern twists. The designs are more minimalist and made for function and comfort compared to the 2010s. Men’s swimwear includes versatile designs suitable for both swimming and casual wear. Board shorts, swim trunks, and hybrid styles that could transition from beach to street have become popular.

Embracing Innovation: Be a Swimwear Pioneer!

The changes over the last decades have mostly been in fabrics, styles, and colours (which I left out—remember this is ‘A Brief History of Swimwear’). We will continue to see new styles emerge and old styles resurface; I have already written a post about different styles of swim shorts if you’re interested ;) . 

Today, we cannot imagine swimwear without stretch. But there was a point in time when this didn’t even exist. Someone was the first to use elasticated fabric in swimwear and now Draquis is the first to use Amni Soul Eco® for our swim shorts (at least to our knowledge). Maybe one day we will not be able to imagine swimwear being made from any other fabric than Amni Soul Eco®.

So, would you like to join us in being pioneers?! Hehe ☺