by Julie Conway

Created on: January 13, 2011   Last Updated: January 14, 2011

In the twenty-first century, the term "bathing suit" is likely to conjure the image of an itsy-bitsy bikini, but bathing attire was certainly not always so sparse.  In fact, bathing suits have changed drastically over time.  The following is a history of the metamorphosis of the bathing suit from a modest, billowing frock to the modern swimming wear of today.

In the 1700’s, a day at the beach was trendy, but other fads of the day complicated the matter.  For one thing, fair, white skin was a highly valued asset for women’s beauty so beach-goers were forced to remain very much covered while under the bright rays of the sun.  Modesty also required that women donned great quantities of clothing, even when walking through the shallow surf.  Bonnets, shawls, and long dresses that covered the arms were the norm for bathing attire.  Often weights were sewn into the bottom hem of the skirt to keep the fabric from floating upward while in the water.

By the 1800’s swimwear began to become more fashionable yet remained just as covering as bathing attire of the previous century.  The “suits” were worn over bloomer-like pants and often had a matching bonnet as well as gloves and shoes.  Suits were very heavy and often made of flannel, an inappropriate material for water activity.  It was not until the mid-1800’s that the bathing gown was shortened to knee-length; however, the pantaloons beneath the gown ensured that the wearer was still completely covered.

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s women began to engage in more seaside activities than just frolicking through shallow water, and this required an alteration in the heavy bathing gear to which women were accustomed.  Sleeves were no longer a requirement, the skirt disappeared, and the pants beneath gave way to knee-length shorts.  Heavy wool, however, was still a commonly selected material for the suits.

The 1900’s brought many changes, and the 20’s in particular was a time of great change for women.  A break from the modesty and restriction of previous eras took hold and was apparent in many areas, including beach attire. The length of the early 1900’s bathing suit continued to diminish until, in the 1920’s, the suit showed all of the leg to the hip.  For the first time, women were wearing a form-flaunting tank-suit in public.

Finally, in the 1930’s, bathing suits were

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