Early days From nudity to bathing suits
The history of swimwear dates back to the early centuries when there were no bathing suits: people swam in the nude. However there is ancient-old proof of bathing suits being worn in public bath houses, which is probably where the history of swimwear begins. By the end of the 15th century more and more people started to cover up while swimming publicly, but not with special bathing suits.
In the 18th century men were still swimming naked, but women wore linen shirts as ‘bathing suits’. The first real bathing suits that followed were made of wool and cotton and quite heavy when wet. The colours of bathing suits were initially also very basic: red, blue or black. The bathing suits covered the whole body, and not just out of decency; having a sun tan wasn’t fashionable at all in those days since it made you look like a ‘farmer’.
The one-piece bathing suit originates from the end of the 19th century and was a major stepping stone in the history of swimwear. The new bathing suit, for both men and women, had a collar, and pants reaching over the knees. Striped bathing suits also became fashionable around that time.
20th Century An explosive invention: the bikini
World-famous Australian swimmer Anette Kellerman was arrested in 1907 for wearing a two-piece bathing suit on an American beach. The first bathing suits that revealed the back were designed in the 1930s which at the time was very daring. By now all-concealing two-piece bathing suits for women were common and men were allowed to wear a two-piece bathing suit that allowed the top to be removed.
It wasn’t until after World War II that two Frenchmen invented the modern bikini, which shows the navel and was the next major stepping stone in the history of swimwear. In 1946 Jacques Heim first invented the ‘Atome’, named so because it was a very small two-piece bathing suit. Then an engineer named Louis Réard, made sure his bathing suit was even smaller and named his two-piece outfit the ‘Bikini’, after the Bikini island where a nuclear test had taken place that year. Réard wanted the excitement about his new Bikini swimwear to be just as ‘explosive’...
The Frenchman was right: it did shock the world seeing the sexy bikini on a Parisian catwalk for the first time. The invention made everyone forget about the ‘Atome’ and ’Bikini’ became the generic name for two-piece bathing suits in Europe. It took a while for the rest of the world to take a liking for bikinis and they were initially banned in the USA and Catholic countries.
1950s-1960s A modest change
In the 1950s the female shape was more and more acknowledged with built-in bras and an accentuated waist for bathing suits. But bathing suit bottoms still reached above the navel and tops fully covered the bust. Men started to wear nylon bathing suits, mainly trunks.
In the late 50s Lycra was invented, which made bathing suits much more durable, comfortable to wear and easier to dry. In the 60s curved hips became more accentuated and the song "Itsy-Bitsy-Teenie-Weenie-Yellow-Polka-Dot-Bikini", which was all about being shy wearing a small bikini on the beach, became a radio hit.
1970s-1990s Swimwear revolution
This shy attitude towards bathing suits changed during the sexual revolution in the 1970s at the history of swimwear was changed forever. Bikini tops were not much more than bra’s by now. Having a sun tan had become popular too, so the more skin was revealed the better.
In the late 70s the one-piece bathing suits came back, but this time high-cut, showing the hips. In the 80s see-through netting was introduced and topless bikinis (‘mono-kinis’) became accepted. It was also the decade of the thong-bikini (or ‘Brazilian’): a tiny string-like bikini that leaves most of the buttocks exposed.
At the end of the 20th century the focus shifted back to practical bathing suits for speed and the classic one-piece bathing suits were commonly worn again, while skimpy bikinis were still in vogue for on the beach. The 1990s saw the introduction of the ‘Tankini’ for women: a tank top and bikini bottom combined.
21st Century Swimwear Shack launch
By the early 2000s there is no limit to the range of swimwear that you can buy. Manufactures design all types of bathing suits for all shapes and sizes. It is the decade of the ‘mankini’ and 'burqini', but don’t think we’ve seen it all!
Appropriately at the 65th anniversary of the bikini, www.swimwearshack.com.au was launched in 2011, providing a full range of classic elegant swimwear and exciting bikinis, one-piece bathing suits, rash vests, wetsuits and beach and pool accessories. There is something for all ages and sizes, men and women, boys and girls!
FAQs
As with many inventions, there is a dispute over who made the first wetsuit. Dr. Hugh Bradner, an American physicist who loved to dive, may have made the first wetsuit out of neoprene in 1952. He wanted to find a way for divers to avoid hypothermia and still be able to move freely in the water.
Is there a reason why wetsuits are black? ›
Black Provides Ultimate UV Protection
Neoprene, the type of rubber your wetsuit is likely made from, starts off as a milky white color. Carbon black is a key ingredient added, turning the rubber black to increase strength. It also provides heightened UV resistance for the same reason as heat absorption.
What's the point of wearing a wetsuit? ›
It allows divers to stay warm and dry at all times inside the chilly water. Wetsuits have become essential for divers exploring the marine environment. There are numerous options for wetsuits in the market. These vary in terms of material, size, thickness, and design.
What animal inspired a wetsuit? ›
So Alice's team studied beaver fur with a microscope, and discovered exactly how the fur -- which sits in two layers, traps the air. They then attempted to copy it using a pliable rubber-like material. The result is a layer of material thinner than neoprene with better insulating capabilities.
Why do you wear under a wetsuit? ›
For comfort and safety in chilly conditions, layering is suggested. If you have a thinner wetsuit (2mm-4mm), you may add a rash guard, full-body suit, or any other sort of undergarment to offer the extra insulation you need.
What color wetsuit repels sharks? ›
One theory is that sharks are attracted to contrasts, and that bright or fluorescent colors can stand out more vividly against the ocean's blue and green tones. For example, a bright yellow or orange dive suit might be more visible to a shark than a darker color like black or blue.
Why are there no white wetsuits? ›
But sharks can easily detect the wetsuit color that is in sharp contrast to skin color. Thus, you must refrain from wearing colors like white, yellow, pink, orange, etc with contrasting colors like white and black.
Is it better to put on a wetsuit wet or dry? ›
Is It Easier to Put on a Wetsuit Wet or Dry? There is really no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The answer is that it's based simply on your personal preference.
Is it OK to swim in a wetsuit? ›
It is important that you use a swimming wetsuit for extended swimming and not a surf wetsuit, as the material is thicker and does not have as much give across the shoulders for the movement of swimming other than paddling. Swimming in a surf wetsuit will make your swim considerably and unnecessarily difficult.
What not to do with a wetsuit? ›
THE TOP 5 FASTEST WAYS TO RUIN YOUR WETSUIT
- Dry Your Wetsuit in Direct Sunlight.
- Pee in Your Wetsuit.
- Wash Your Wetsuit in the Washing Machine.
- Dry Your Wetsuit in the Dryer.
- Throw it in the Trunk of Your Car after a Surf.
It's due the build-up of bacteria and other microbes transferred into the suit from both the marine environment and from your own body. It doesn't have to be this way. With a little willpower and some simple tips (below), stinky suits are easily avoided.
What wetsuit do Navy SEALs use? ›
Two standard wetsuits are used by the Navy SEALs. A camouflage wetsuit used by U.S. combat divers is designed to conceal the wearer above and below water. The second military wetsuit is specific to the U.S. Navy SEALs. It is a black suit with a horizontal front zip and a hood.
Do you go commando in a wetsuit? ›
Some people do choose to wear nothing or “go commando” underneath their wetsuit - especially surfers. To some, the idea of a barrier between wetsuit and flesh is as distasteful and absurd as that of underwear to a kilt-wearing Highlands soldier. Pleasure and pain, however, are never far apart.
Can a man wear a women's wetsuit? ›
A man could probably get into a women's wetsuit if he found one in a (much) larger size than usual. But if it was big enough to get his shoulders into it, it would likely be way too big from the waist down. That kind of ill fitting suit is not going to keep you warm.
Do you wear socks under or over wetsuit? ›
Putting On Wetsuit Booties
Roll up the ankles of your wetsuit. Put on your booties then roll your wetsuit over the tops of the booties. By wearing your booties underneath your wetsuit, the water will be able to flush out of the wetsuit and not into your booties.
Why do surfers only wear black wetsuits? ›
Increase UV resistance and heat absorption
Black tends to absorb light than reflect it. Thus, most surfers go for black wetsuits to enjoy these properties, which means greater safety from the elements.
Does the color of a wetsuit matter? ›
There is little evidence to show that more colors on a wetsuit will provide you with better functionality than a single color. In most cases, depending on how and where you will use the wetsuit, a single color will provide uniform protection compared to multiple colors.
What's the best Colour wetsuit to wear? ›
Bright colors may draw sharks' attention, leading them to mistake surfers for natural prey. * Water temperature: A black wetsuit might help you stay warmer during lengthy surfing sessions by absorbing more heat from the sun in colder water.
Can you get mold out of a wetsuit? ›
If these specialist products are not available, you can use a mild dish washing detergent. Removes mould, kills germs, deodorises and conditions wetsuit fabric. Regular use will prolong the life of your wetsuit.
