▲ FOR THE LOVE OF LYCRA —Celebrating the history of swimwear: 20s-80s ▲
Today marks the 1st of May, and as the surf is pounding and the sun is cooking this week—it's hard not to have swimwear on the brain when thinking about Summer style just around the corner...
As I'm pulling out vintage swimsuits from storage, prepping things for the shop and having coffee mtgs with designers unraveling swimwear sketches on cafe tables—the curious history-loving part of my brain starts firing and I can't help but think about the old days of watching my grandmother gracefully swim pool laps in her stylish polka-dotted bathers and floral swim caps, while I wonder about the exact date of the first bikinis...So, for all you Summer sun and sandy-bum, lycra-loving ladies (or guys) out there—this post is for you:
Photo above by George Hoyningen-Huen e, 1928
Active, healthy, athletic women became symbols of a new period of fashion as sports clothes began to appear in the twenties. This image integrates a practical & stylish 2-piece wool jersey bathing suit by Patou with pose & props which conveyed the look of an era.
By the 1930s, improvements in elasticated fabrics allowed for body-skimming bathing suits. Swimsuits no longer required an over-skirt and women opted for backless, low-cut suits with brief-style shorts.
Designers Jacques Heim and Louis Reard introduced the bikini in the summer of 1946. Although the bikini was published in Harper’s Bazaar in 1947, the skimpy two-piece bathing suit was not adopted by the general public and considered taboo until the 60s.
The swimwear of the 1950s resembled that of undergarments of the period. Strapless, boned one-pieces that nipped in the waist were worn, accentuating curves, vibrant colors and sexier feminine detailing.
In the early sixties, Bond Girl Ursula Andress sported a bikini with a hip holster throughout much of Dr. No, promoting the use of the skimpy suit. Soon after, it was accepted as fashionable swimwear.
By the mid-1970s, the skimpy bikini had lost its shock value and swimsuit styles reverted back to one pieces, however, these one pieces were just as revealing. The body was still on display through crocheted fabrics or in thong-style bottoms.
The 1980s experienced a heightened awareness in health and an exercise craze that resulted in athletic style bathing suits, also incorporating high-cut briefs and deep-v neck designs, as well as leveraging fabrics including mesh & spandex.
Photo above: Iconic Cindy Crawford photographed by Herb Ritts, 1988
