Swimwear

Originally created for the purpose of water sports, swimwear has evolved incredibly over the years and ‘The Swimsuit’ in whatever it’s form, is an established fashion item in its own right. Available for both men and women, the varieties and styles are endless, and whether your intention is to conceal or reveal, you are sure to find something to suit. Nowadays, with so much attention drawn to having the perfect summer figure, swimsuits that enhance and flatter problem areas in a similar way an undergarment might, are becoming more popular. For example tummy control swimsuits and padded cup bikinis are widely appreciated by women all over the world.  Deriving from ancient Greece, the bathing costume has come a long way in it’s progression to what it is today, however styles are distinctly comparable to those of decades before. The swimsuit always has and always will be the most socially acceptable way to bare as much skin as you wish.

Dating back to the 1920’s, women’s swimsuits were designed to suit the more athletic figure and exaggerate curves. The legs reached mid-thigh and often had a belt around the waist.  Male swimsuits in the 1920’s, had to meet modesty regulations and were often worn with a skirt, or the trunks would have a built in skirt like effect. In 1925 lastex was produced. This was a stretchy elasticised fabric commonly used for swimsuits.

The 1930’s brought more femininity to women’s swimwear, and those hideous one pieces turned much flirtier and revealing. Tiny belted shorts, high cut legs, and bare back one-pieces took over. The one –piece became a two-piece, and the stars of Hollywood graced magazines in the latest fashion swimwear. For men, fashion turned to the one-piece sporting a bare chest, however this had only just reached social acceptance and not everyone had yet dared to bare. Many still wore the more modest two-piece.

Between the 1940’s and 1960’s, designers had cottoned onto a fantastic idea that would revolutionise the swimsuit forever. Panels to hold in the stomach were added to one-pieces and underwire and padding was used in bra cups to add support and enhance the shape of the bust. As the top half became more flattering, designers seemed to have a different idea for the bottom half, and swimsuits were cut straight across the top of the leg.  As for the men, the top had disappeared and the chests were officially out.  Trunks got riskier, tighter fitting with bolder patterns and colours. They were definitely not about to be outdone by the ladies. Boxer trunks became the craze, and cabana sets were the new thing. In 1955, an Australian company called ‘Speedo’ that was established in 1914, produced a new fabric called nylon. Nylon was commonly used in swimwear.

As the swimsuit reached the 1960’s, it had to up its game as the two piece bikini grew in popularity. Different cuts and styles were brought in by designers. Little frill skirts were attached as a way of covering tops of thighs. People seemed to be comfortable to bare more skin through the sixties, and midriffs were everywhere to be seen. Men loved square cut boxer style swimwear, and the one-piece was officially dead and buried.

The bikini was created in 1946 by French designer Louis Reard, and has been on an upward spiral of production ever since.  By the 1970’s, the bikini was by far the most popular of choices amongst women seeking the sun. The ‘Tanga’ or string bikini, more commonly known as the thong, was a big hit on the beach around this time. Looking back to 1915, when Carl Jantzen produced the infamous woollen one-piece, you would never have thought a design of swimwear resembling dental floss would become fashionable. 

Up to the current day, swimwear fashion has become more adventurous, and there’s an array of styles out there to flatter all body types. The 1990’s saw the Tan-through bikini make its entrance to the swimwear world. Tanning through your bikini? Who would have thought it? Stretchy lycra, cotton and even denim materials are used. Halter top, triangle top, padded or unpadded, you have more choices in swimwear than underwear. We all know fashion trends of old normally make a comeback, so it’s no surprise the one-piece swimsuit has crept its way back into our summer wardrobe. Sexy and glamorous versions of the conventional one-piece are the latest craze, however not so good for sunbathing and not always as easy to find one that fits perfectly. Most women prefer the traditional two piece bikini and it still leads the way in swimwear fashion.

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