History of Swimwear: From Ancient Rome to Modern Day
Bathing Suits in Ancient Times
The earliest known depiction of women wearing bathing suits can be traced back to the 4th century in Sicily, where a mosaic in the Villa Roma de Casale portrays women exercising in bikini-like garments. However, for many centuries afterward, there is little evidence of people venturing into the water.
Bathing in the 17th and 18th Centuries
In the late 17th century, English traveler Celia Fiennes described the typical bathing costume for women: a loose, yellow canvas garment that concealed their bodies completely. These “bathing gowns” were used for public bathing, which was a common practice at the time.
Modesty and Bathing Dresses
In the 18th and 19th centuries, modesty prevailed in swimwear design. Women wore long dresses made of heavy fabrics that would not become transparent when wet. Some even sewed lead weights into the hems to prevent the dresses from floating up and revealing too much.
The Rise of the One-Piece Suit
In 1907, Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman caused a scandal when she was arrested for wearing a more form-fitting, one-piece suit in Boston. Her arrest paved the way for a new era of swimwear that emphasized comfort and function.
Jantzen and the “Red Diving Girl”
In 1915, Jantzen, a knittery in Portland, introduced the term “swimming suit” and coined its iconic “Red Diving Girl” logo. This image, which embodied the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, helped popularize swimwear and make Jantzen a household name.
The Bikini Revolution
In 1946, French engineer Louis Réard unveiled the bikini, named after the recent atomic tests at Bikini Atoll. Initially met with resistance, the bikini quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of liberation and female empowerment.
Swimwear in the Modern Era
From the 1960s onward, swimwear has evolved in countless ways. Blouson bathing suits, retro two-pieces, Burkinis, UV-protective swim shirts, and thongs are just a few examples of the diverse range of options available today.
Farrah Fawcett and the American Dream
In 1975, Farrah Fawcett’s iconic poster wearing a red one-piece bathing suit became a cultural sensation. Her image represented the height of the sexual revolution and captured the spirit of a generation.
American Attitudes Towards Swimwear
While the bikini may have originated in France, American attitudes towards swimwear have always been characterized by a sense of modesty. Even today, many Americans prefer swimwear that suggests sexuality rather than flaunting it openly.