The Evolution of Swimsuits Through the Years

Over 100 years ago, swimsuits were practically unrecognizable to the modern eye. Bloomers, skirts, sleeves and stockings are the look for women. Though it is a lot to wear, know this: These garments are actually more body-conscious than those worn in previous years.

We start to see the modern one-piece silhouette come into play, with a more streamlined look and a dash of whimsy (like the striped detail). One thing that's still a holdover of older swimwear trends are the shoes worn, designed to protect the wearer from seashells and rocks.

Hems are getting higher, which is liberating for bathers ... and something that the police apparently needed to get involved in. Welcome to the age of bathing suit laws, where one must be measured before being legally allowed to enjoy the day.

The figure-hugging maillot gives women new freedom to move around, thanks to the new styles made popular by the new company Jantzen. The top portion is designed much like a tank, with the bottom ending mid-thigh. Here, movie star Fanny Brice frolics on the shore in a similar style.

Hello, legs! The leg is cut even higher in the 1930s, while stylistic trends (like bows and collars) expand swimwear choices. Men's suits are also cut with a high leg, with a tank top resembling a running or wrestling singlet.

Of course, the rise of modern swimwear coincides with the rise of modern accessories. Here, sunglasses and cute sandals complete the ensemble for one Florida trendsetter.

In this era of swimwear, new synthetic fabrics and wool were common. However, very high-end swimsuits (like this one worn by film star Ida Lupino) could be found that used touches of silk. Perhaps these were for posing only?

Betty Grable shows off her anchor one-piece. Sailor-inspired and patriotic clothing was popular in the late '30s, largely due to the approaching second World War.

Unlike Ida's silk swimwear, some women demanded designs that were functional yet pretty. Such was the case for bodybuilder Relna Brewer, who modeled a halter bikini while ripping a phone book in half.

Though the skimpy bikini as we know it wouldn't be introduced until 1946, some midriff-bearing designs could be seen on the market prior to that watershed moment. This simple halter and high-waisted combo was just one of those designs.

But not everyone was into the two-piece. These darling one-pieces were simple, but definitely not plain.

Seen here on Lucille Ball, the strapless looks of the '40s often included either straight-across and sweetheart necklines. Either way, no tan lines!

With high waisted bottoms and coordinating tops, these women were only wrong about one thing: using tanning oil instead of sunscreen.

Men ditched the tank top, but still wore trunks with higher waists than we're used to today in the late '40s. Meanwhile, women stuck to the one-piece, often with a skirt effect over the thigh.

Here, you can see that "skirted" trend (really, just a longer panel in the front that created the illusion of a skirt) in this group of women happily modeling the latest looks. Swimsuits also had a bit more structure with built-in bra cups, and fun details like belts, piping and even one-shoulder necklines.

Ruching and a sweetheart neckline make for a very '50s look that's still being replicated today.

Not-so-bare two-pieces saw a rise in popularity, with bottoms that generally hovered around the belly button.

The 1950s were also a fanciful time for swimsuit design, as seen in this French fashion show. Oui, there is a bikini or two in the mix, but also a heavily corseted swimsuit with a star-spangled skirt.

Fashion also went in an unwearable direction, with swimsuits made entirely of fur.

Metallic lamé fabrics brought glamour to swimwear in this era. This very fabulous mermaid-inspired suit (the cups are shells!) was made out of the glittering material.

After the premiere of Suddenly Last Summer, everyone looked for a swimsuit that would make them feel like Elizabeth Taylor. Any white one-piece would do!

Covered in faux flowers, this bikini gives new meaning to the term "bloomers."

The structured silhouettes of the '50s crept into the early '60s, with supportive strapless bras and high-waisted bottoms.

The pattern was a favorite of '60s suburbia, so it was a natural choice for suburban sunbathers.

After Elvis Presley and Joan Blackman's Blue Hawaii debuted, shapes became a big part of swimsuit style. Triangles, diamonds, and other sharp lines in bright colors were often found in stores.

When Sports Illustrated launched its first swimsuit edition in 1964, everyone wanted to look like model Babette March. She proved that sometimes less is more, sporting a timeless plain white bikini.

Natalie Wood models an on-trend Y-neck halter, done in the fun pastels of the era.

The surfing trend took off in the 1960s, so it's not surprising to see this surfer girl posing with her board in a classic geometric print two-piece.

In the '70s, bikinis got smaller and less structured. This simple white suit wouldn't be out of place on a 2022 beach either

What to wear with your minimal bikini? Big sunglasses.