Swimwear throughout the ages.

Throughout the ages, women’s swimwear has changed dramatically. With the passing of time, the swimsuit has become skimplified, if you will.

Starting in the 18th century, women began wearing “bathing gowns” in the water. These gowns were composed of long dresses with weighted fabric as to not rise up in the water. Hence, the old-time swimwear was not conducive to sunbathing in the least bit.

In the 19th century the two-piece swimsuit appeared. Quite unlike the modern day two-piece, these suits consisted of a gown from shoulders to knees in addition to leggings down to the ankles. Leaving nearly everything to the imagination, these suits were not favorable by those with very little.

The bikini didn’t make a splash until after World War II. The name 'Bikini' was derived from Bikini Atoll, the site of several nuclear weapons tests, for its “explosive effect on the viewer.” And that explosive effect has become even more unstoppable with the feminist movement and social acceptance of less-is-more fashions. The rest? It’s history.

1910s

1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

Which is your favorite decade of swimwear? What do you think swimsuits of the future will look like?