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Writer's pictureArwen Rasmussen

History of Bathing Suits




The first iconic bathing suit that gained recognition was the "Red Diving Girl" by Jantzen Knitting Mills. Introduced in 1920, this red wool one-piece became a symbol in popular culture. While it may not be as well-known as other iconic figures like the Morton Salt Girl or the Sun-Maid Girl, the Jantzen diving girl image revolutionized the perception of bathing suits. It portrayed a woman diving into water with a sense of ease and flexibility, emphasizing the functionality of the garment. Jantzen incorporated an "elastic stitch" in their bathing suits, providing comfort to wearers despite the heavy wool material.


Roman suits

The origins of the two-piece swimsuit can be traced back to ancient Rome, even though the modern bikini wasn't introduced until the 20th century. Evidence of early two-piece swimwear can be found in an ancient mosaic discovered in a Sicilian villa. This mosaic showcases images of women, now referred to as the "Bikini Girls," engaging in various activities such as dancing, running, and playing, all while wearing beachwear that closely resembles contemporary styles. Historians are uncertain whether these suits were specifically designed for water-based activities or if they were simply standard exercise outfits for the warm summers in Sicily. However, the depiction of the women in motion suggests that these early two-piece suits were intended for active wear, allowing freedom of movement.


Men’s one piece suits

In the past, it was not common for men to go shirtless at the beach. In fact, being topless in public was considered controversial and even illegal in many parts of the United States during the first half of the 20th century. For example, in 1935, 42 men were arrested and fined in Atlantic City, New Jersey for swimming without shirts, which was prohibited. This arrest was a collective act of protest against the strict rules. However, as time went on, these laws were overturned. In 1937, the law in New Jersey was reversed, and other states followed suit. Eventually, men were able to abandon the one-piece "swimming costumes" they used to wear and embrace the modern trunks that are commonly seen today.

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