Summer brings warm weather and the need to choose the perfect swimsuit—an essential task that tops our seasonal to-do list. Today, with countless designs available on the market, we have the luxury of selecting a swimsuit that highlights our curves and makes us feel confident in our bodies.
However, this wasn’t always the case. At the beginning of the 20th century, swimsuits were cumbersome and uncomfortable, often more restrictive than liberating. The story of this iconic beachwear begins with meters of fabric trailing in the water and evolves into today’s chic and practical designs. In this article, we explore the major milestones in the fascinating history of women’s swimwear.
Beach Attire in the Early 20th Century
In the early 1900s, women’s beachwear consisted of wide bloomers reaching the ankles, worn under long skirts and petticoats. On top, a tunic with puffed sleeves to the elbows was paired with a blouse or a rubber corset for fuller figures. Completing the outfit were black stockings, rubber shoes, and a fabric bonnet covering the head.
Color choices were limited—blue and black dominated, while bold women opted for red. The only accepted patterns were stripes in red and white or blue and white. Made from thick wool, these swimsuits absorbed water and became misshapen when wet, making swimming nearly impossible.
The Annette Kellerman Scandal
As time went on, stockings and slippers disappeared, bloomers were shortened to the knees, and tunic sleeves revealed the forearms. In the early 1900s, French designer Paul Poiret introduced more form-fitting swimsuits made from knitted fabric.
Compared to modern swimwear, these early designs were still highly conservative. This was highlighted in 1906 when Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman caused an uproar by wearing a one-piece swimsuit that exposed her thighs during a U.S. competition. She was arrested, fined, and sent back to Australia. However, the battle to make swimwear more practical and less restrictive had already begun.
Coco Chanel’s Revolution and the Rise of Tanning
As beach culture became more popular, both men and women faced the challenge of finding appropriate swimwear. In the early 20th century, Coco Chanel sparked a revolution by declaring that tanned skin was the epitome of beauty.
Chanel also introduced a groundbreaking innovation in fashion that impacted swimwear: shorts above the knee paired with low-cut blouses or t-shirts. This opened the door to the popularity of the first stretch jersey swimsuits, featuring plunging backlines and a streamlined fit.
The Birth of the Two-Piece Swimsuit
A decade later, in 1932, Parisian tailor Jacques Heim launched “Atome,” the precursor to the modern two-piece swimsuit. This design included a bra and shorts that revealed the stomach but not the navel—a bold move at the time. Only a few daring women embraced this design, as showing one’s stomach was still taboo.
During this period, terrycloth robes also became popular, offering a practical way to cover up after swimming and preserve modesty.
The Launch of the Provocative Bikini
In 1946, Swiss designer Louis Réard introduced the bikini in Paris. This new swimsuit consisted of a bra and a wide panty that left the navel exposed. Its name was inspired by the Bikini Atoll, where the U.S. conducted nuclear tests.
The bikini faced significant resistance upon its debut. Women wearing it were often fined or accused of indecency, and it wasn’t widely accepted in the U.S. until the 1960s. Many paired bikinis with sarongs or floral shirts to cover their bodies, deemed overly exposed at the time.
Despite the controversy, the bikini gained popularity thanks to celebrities like Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot, who helped normalize the style. In 1951, however, it was banned from the Miss World pageant for being too risqué.
Swimwear in the 1950s: The Era of Pin-Ups
In the 1950s, modesty still prevailed, and many women hesitated to wear bikinis. Instead, they opted for one-piece swimsuits with heart-shaped necklines and boning to enhance their figures.
This was the golden age of pin-ups, epitomized by icons like Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page. Pin-up swimwear featured thick, form-fitting fabrics that celebrated the female silhouette. Styles ranged from one-piece designs to two-piece sets with high-waisted shorts.
As pin-ups and cinema brought the bikini into popular culture, it became a symbol of femininity and allure. By 1958, Lycra was introduced, revolutionizing swimwear fabrics with its quick-drying properties and greater comfort.
Swimwear Today: A Tribute to Elegance and Confidence
Fast forward to today, where countless swimwear styles cater to every body type and aesthetic. Vintage-inspired designs remain a staple for women who want to channel elegance and femininity at the beach.
At Sahra Nko, we honor this legacy with our handmade collection of one-piece corset swimsuits. Designed to celebrate and sculpt the female form, our swimsuits are perfect for embracing your curves while adding a touch of 1950s glamour. Choose your Sahra Nko corset swimsuit and make a timeless statement on the beach.
