Swimwear Trends over the Years

Swimsuits have come a long way from the time when the first one was created. Of course, people have gone swimming probably since the beginning of time, usually in the nude or with their clothes on... Not until the 18th century was a suit designed specifically for wearing while swimming.

Since we're talking the 18th century when the first swimsuit was designed, they were definitely very different from the swimsuits of the 21st century. The original swimsuits were designed for a purpose. The purpose was to cover breast and genitalia while swimming. I'm sure comfort while in the water later played some role in the design of swimsuits too.

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But in the beginning, swimsuits were little more than loose fitting clothes that was worn while swimming. Very little style or fashion sense can be seen in the original swimsuits. They were worn by men and women alike and covered most of the body except arms and legs. I'm sure they were not synonymous with sexy or even sex symbols like they were today. Simply a utilitarian piece of clothing.

Fast forward a century or two later and swimsuits are scandalous, swanky and yes... SEXY. They are no longer utilitarian or even cover very much of the human body. In fact, the more skin they reveal better...  Swimsuits are available in many styles and patterns. This year, the Retro swimsuit is very popular. These are colorful swimsuits circa 1960 with beautiful polka dots and patterns reminiscent of that time period. Regardless of your weight, style or age if you look you will find a swimsuit for you. Even if you don't swim, go figure...

If you're wondering what style is the most popular..... it's the bikini. Introduced in the late 1950's, the bikini has been gaining steam as the most popular style every year for women of all shapes and sizes. Look up a history of 100 years of swimwear for a more in depth synopsis.