Swimwear Trends Through The Ages

1920s

Moving on to the amazing 1920’s style. By this time they were designing swimwear that was more functional. Fabrics still predominately wool started moving to a jersey material and necklines dropped to v-neck or boat necks (gasp!)

A woman stepping out in public at the beach had to be mindful of the length of her swimwear as beach police (I shit you not!) patrolled the area with measuring tape in hand. If you had too much skin showing between your knees and the hem of your swimsuit you would be fined or even taken to gaol! Oh how times have changed!

1930s

1930’s bought the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to swimsuits. With film stars sporting suits more similar to today’s styles this era welcomed in the curves of the female figure. Necklines plunged and sleeves went as risqué as thin straps. Legs were now on show! Whilst not the heady heights of the 80’s leg lines were now mid to high thigh. Yes ladies now was the time when we as a group started dreading the summer ritual ‘shaving of the leg hairs’. We couldn’t hide our glistening leg hairs as they rustled in the breeze any more. Things were getting real!

1940s

The 1940’s started showing more skin in all sorts of places with the new era of swim suits. Two piece swimwear had made it’s debut. The retro style featured a lot of halter neck tops that provided enough support a bra was no longer needed! Woooo!! Release the beasts! Showing cleavage was still a no-no though, so coverage was ample, and if you wore a bikini no more than 5 centimetres of skin was shown on your mid drift. Bottoms were high waist above the belly button and the fabric was stiff and non stretchy which maintained women’s ideal hour glass shape. I don’t know but to me something that sucks your gut in sounds freakin fabulous!! No more passing out from holding my breath in.