How women’s swimsuits have changed in the last 100 years

As soon as summer begins, all women take out their fashionable swimsuits from the wardrobe. Nowadays there is a lot of different swimwear in the shops, so sometimes it’s quite hard to choose the perfect one. And only a century ago people would be shocked just looking at modern swimsuits.

Swimwear has definitely changed beyond recognition, having broken down all barriers and stereotypes. We at Bright Side decided to take a look at the evolution of swimsuits over the years.

19th century

A bodice, a hoop skirt, stockings, and a cap. Ladies were in full feather during their summer holidays in the 19th century. This was simply the reality of that time, nothing more.

1900s

Women went swimming wearing such a swimsuit in the beginning of the 20th century. The swimsuit consisted of knickers, a short full skirt, and a bodice. This outfit was considered to be provocative.

1910s

Actress Annette Kellermann shocked society by wearing her skintight swimsuit. She was even arrested once!

1920s

A decade later, bare hands and feet were not forbidden anymore. However, there were beach censors who made sure shorts were the right length. The distinguishing feature of swimwear of that period was a swim cap.

1930s

It was a time of experimentation with designs, fabrics, colors, and prints. The swimsuits were made to accentuate a woman’s body as much as possible.

Hello, two-piece swimsuit! A real revolution was happening in the fashion world.

1940s

In general, beach fashion of the strict 1940s was modest.

But the swimsuits, which resembled modern minidresses, accentuated the body perfectly. Just see how gorgeous Marilyn Monroe looked!

1950s

In 1946, designer Louis Reard debuted the first ever bikini. People made jokes about this swimsuit, saying that ‘it reveals everything about a girl except for her mother’s maiden name.’

1960s

In the 1962 James Bond movie, Dr. No, Ursula Andress emerges from the sea wearing a white bikini that quickly became iconic!

However, modest one-piece swimsuits were still in fashion. Elizabeth Taylor proved this in the movie Suddenly, Last Summer.

1970s

The evolution of the swimsuit could probably have stopped at this point. But designers introduced a thong bikini bottom.

1980s

As swimsuits stopped becoming smaller, designers started experimenting with different styles. A low neckline was the latest trend in the ’80s.

1990s

Of course, the images of gorgeous ladies from the famous TV show Baywatch were extremely popular at that time. Who doesn’t remember the iconic Pamela Anderson’s red one-piece swimsuit? This is how the sporty chic trend started.

Today

Today, fashionistas all over the world have a huge choice of swimwear. The imagination of fashion designers has no limits. There are no bans and no boundaries. Women decide for themselves whether they want to dress modestly or in a sexy way. And being unique is all that matters.

Source: http://brightside.me/inspiration-girls-stuff/how-womens-swimsuits-have-changed-in-the-last-100-years-189605/