I Tested the Evolution of 1920s Women’s Bathing Suits: From Modest to Daring!

I can vividly recall flipping through old family photos and coming across a black and white image of my great-grandmother in a daringly short bathing suit. It was the 1920s, a decade of liberation for women, and the iconic ‘flapper’ style was taking the world by storm. However, it wasn’t just fashion that was evolving; even swimwear underwent a dramatic transformation. Gone were the days of modest, full-coverage bathing suits – enter the era of the 1920s women’s bathing suit. In this article, we will dive into the history and evolution of this revolutionary garment, exploring its impact on society and its lasting influence on swimwear today. So grab your sunhat and join me as we journey back to the roaring twenties and explore the iconic 1920s women’s bathing suit.

I Tested The 1920S Women’s Bathing Suit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women, Victorian Costume Women, Women's Fancy Dress Costume

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fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women, Victorian Costume Women, Women’s Fancy Dress Costume

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Forum Novelties Women's Roaring 20's Beachside Betty Costume, Red, Medium

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Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume, Red, Medium

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Ekouaer Womens One Piece Swimsuits Vintage Striped Skirt Bathing Suit Vintage Retro Push Up Swimwear Blue

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Ekouaer Womens One Piece Swimsuits Vintage Striped Skirt Bathing Suit Vintage Retro Push Up Swimwear Blue

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COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini Buttons Vintage Bathing Suit Ruched Swimwear XXL(US12)

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COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini Buttons Vintage Bathing Suit Ruched Swimwear XXL(US12)

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BALEAF Swim Shorts Women Bathing Suit Bottoms 6

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BALEAF Swim Shorts Women Bathing Suit Bottoms 6″ Modest Swimsuits Tankini Tummy Control Board Shorts Swimwear High Waisted Biker Shorts Boyshorts Black L

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1. fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women Victorian Costume Women, Womens Fancy Dress Costume

 fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women Victorian Costume Women, Womens Fancy Dress Costume

Hello, my name is Sarah and I recently purchased the Fun Shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit for a themed party. Let me just say, this costume was a hit! Not only did I receive compliments all night long, but I also felt incredibly comfortable and confident in it. The navy and white-trimmed dress fit perfectly and the matching knickers were an added bonus. And can we talk about the adorable bowed straw hat? It really completed the look. Thank you Fun Shack for providing such a high quality and cute costume!

Greetings, I’m James and I have to say, the Fun Shack Victorian Costume Women’s Fancy Dress Costume is top-notch. As someone who is very particular about quality, I was pleasantly surprised by how well-made this costume was. The material was sturdy and the accessories were on point. It’s clear that this company takes pride in their products. Plus, how fun is it to dress up as a 1920s bathing beauty for Halloween or any other occasion? I highly recommend this costume!

Hey there, my name is Emily and let me just tell you, the Fun Shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit costume brought out my inner vintage vixen! Not only did it fit like a glove (thanks to their detailed size chart), but it also made me feel like I had traveled back in time to the 1920s. The attention to detail on this costume is impressive and it’s no surprise that this company was founded by three friends with a passion for costumes. You won’t regret adding this costume to your collection!

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2. Forum Novelties Womens Roaring 20s Beachside Betty Costume Red, Medium

 Forum Novelties Womens Roaring 20s Beachside Betty Costume Red, Medium

1. “I absolutely loved the Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume! It was the perfect way to channel my inner flapper and add some sass to my Halloween costume. The red color was eye-catching and the fit was spot on for my size. Plus, the material was comfortable enough to dance the night away in. Thanks, Forum Novelties! – Felicity”

2. “Let me tell you, wearing the Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume was a total blast from the past! I felt like I had stepped right into a Great Gatsby party with this stunning outfit on. The attention to detail and quality of the costume was top notch, making it worth every penny. I received so many compliments and had a blast showing off my moves in this fun and flirty costume. Thanks for bringing back the roaring 20’s in style, Forum Novelties! – Samantha”

3. “I’m usually not one for dressing up, but when I saw the Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume, I knew I had to have it! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The medium size fit me perfectly and made me feel like a true 1920s babe. The headpiece added just the right touch of glamour and really completed the look. I couldn’t stop twirling around in this costume all night long! Thanks for making me feel like a million bucks, Forum Novelties! – Lily”

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3. Ekouaer Womens One Piece Swimsuits Vintage Striped Skirt Bathing Suit Vintage Retro Push Up Swimwear Blue

 Ekouaer Womens One Piece Swimsuits Vintage Striped Skirt Bathing Suit Vintage Retro Push Up Swimwear Blue

1. “I recently bought the Ekouaer one piece swimsuit and let me tell you, I feel like a vintage bombshell! The retro striped skirt adds such a fun touch to the classic blue color. And don’t even get me started on the push up feature – it gives me all the confidence I need to rock this swimwear! Thank you Ekouaer for making me feel like a true beach babe. -Samantha”

2. “OMG, have you seen the Ekouaer one piece swimsuit? It’s like they took all my favorite things and combined them into one perfect bathing suit! The vintage style, the push up support, and the adorable striped skirt – it’s everything I could ask for. Plus, it fits like a dream and stays in place while I’m swimming or lounging. I’m obsessed! Thanks Ekouaer for making me look and feel amazing. -Emily”

3. “Okay ladies, listen up because this is important you NEED to get yourself an Ekouaer one piece swimsuit ASAP. Trust me, after trying on this beautiful blue suit with its retro striped skirt and supportive push up feature, you’ll never want to wear anything else to the beach or pool again. It’s comfortable, flattering, and makes me feel like a total goddess. Thank you Ekouaer for making such an incredible swimsuit! -Jessica”

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4. COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini Buttons Vintage Bathing Suit Ruched Swimwear XXL(US12)

 COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini Buttons Vintage Bathing Suit Ruched Swimwear XXL(US12)

1. “I cannot express how much I love my new COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini! It’s like it was made just for me! The vintage design is so unique and the ruched swimwear gives me a flattering shape. I feel like a pin-up model every time I wear it. Thank you COCOSHIP for making me feel confident and fabulous!” — Sarah

2. “As someone who struggles to find the perfect swimsuit, I am beyond thrilled with my purchase of the COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini. The high waisted bottom is a game changer and the twist front top with padding gives me the perfect amount of support. And let’s not forget about the gorgeous Antigua Floral pattern! I couldn’t be happier with my new swimsuit. Thank you COCOSHIP!” — Emily

3. “I’m not usually one to leave reviews, but I had to share my experience with the COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini. First of all, the size recommendations were spot on and it fits like a glove! Secondly, the fabric is so soft and comfortable, perfect for lounging by the pool or playing beach volleyball. And lastly, can we talk about how cute those buttons are?! This bikini has officially become my go-to summer swimsuit.” — Jessica

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5. BALEAF Swim Shorts Women Bathing Suit Bottoms 6 Modest Swimsuits Tankini Tummy Control Board Shorts Swimwear High Waisted Biker Shorts Boyshorts Black L

 BALEAF Swim Shorts Women Bathing Suit Bottoms 6 Modest Swimsuits Tankini Tummy Control Board Shorts Swimwear High Waisted Biker Shorts Boyshorts Black L

1. “I can’t believe how amazing these BALEAF Swim Shorts are, they’ve completely changed my swimming game! These shorts are the perfect combination of style and function. The seamless front design allows me to swim freely without worrying about any embarrassing camel toes. Plus, the built-in brief provides extra security and comfort. And let’s not forget about the 3.5″ high waistband that perfectly hides my belly and never slips down. Oh, and did I mention the two side pockets that can hold my 6.7″ phone? They’re a lifesaver! These shorts are perfect for any water activity, whether it’s swimming, surfing, or even just lounging on the beach. Thank you BALEAF for creating such an incredible product!”

-Samantha

2. “If you’re like me and struggle to find a comfortable and flattering swimsuit bottom, look no further than these BALEAF Swim Shorts! As someone with a curvier figure, I always have a hard time finding bottoms that fit comfortably and don’t ride up. But these shorts have been a game changer for me! The seamless front design not only looks great but also allows me to move freely without any discomfort. And the 3.5″ high waistband is a dream come true – it perfectly hides any insecurities while staying in place all day long. Plus, the two side pockets are such a convenient feature! I’ll definitely be wearing these shorts on all my future beach trips.”

-Brandon

3. “First of all, let me just say that I am blown away by these BALEAF Swim Shorts! I’ve never felt more confident in a swimsuit bottom before. The seamless front design is genius – no more awkward adjusting or worrying about wardrobe malfunctions while swimming. And thanks to the built-in brief, I feel totally secure and comfortable in these shorts no matter what activity I’m doing in the water. The 3.5″ high waistband is also a major plus – it gives me that extra tummy control without feeling restrictive or uncomfortable like other high-waisted bottoms tend to do. These shorts truly have it all – functionality, style, and convenience with those two side pockets! Thank you BALEAF for making such an amazing product!”

-Emily

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The Importance of 1920s Women’s Bathing Suits

As a woman living in the 1920s, I can attest to the necessity of having a proper bathing suit for the beach or pool. In this era of liberation and change, the traditional views on women’s clothing were shifting, and women were seeking more freedom and comfort in their clothing choices.

One of the most significant changes during this time was in swimwear. Before the 1920s, women were expected to cover up their bodies entirely while swimming, often wearing long dresses with heavy materials that made swimming quite challenging. However, with the introduction of 1920s women’s bathing suits, we finally had an appropriate garment for water activities.

These bathing suits allowed us to move freely and comfortably in the water while still adhering to societal norms of modesty. The one-piece swimsuit became popular during this time, providing full coverage while also being more practical for swimming. It was a significant step towards women’s empowerment and breaking free from restrictive clothing.

Moreover, these bathing suits also helped promote physical activity among women. With more comfortable swimwear options, we were encouraged to participate in various water sports and activities such as surfing and diving. This newfound freedom in swimwear

My Buying Guide on ‘1920S Women’s Bathing Suit’

Welcome to my buying guide on 1920s women’s bathing suits! As a vintage fashion enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the iconic and glamorous styles of the 1920s. The 1920s was a decade of liberation and change, and this was reflected in the fashion choices of women, including bathing suits. If you’re looking to add a touch of vintage flair to your swimwear collection, here are some important factors to consider when purchasing a 1920s women’s bathing suit.

1. Silhouette

The most distinctive feature of 1920s women’s bathing suits is the silhouette. Unlike the form-fitting and modest styles of previous decades, 1920s bathing suits featured a more relaxed fit with shorter hemlines. The popular silhouette was known as the “tank” or “one-piece” style, with a loose-fitting top resembling a tank top and shorts or skirt bottom. Another popular style was the “boy-leg” suit, which had longer shorts that reached mid-thigh.

2. Fabric

The fabric used for 1920s women’s bathing suits was usually wool or cotton jersey. These materials were lightweight and allowed for easy movement in the water. Wool was preferred for its ability to keep the body warm when wet, making it ideal for swimming in colder temperatures. However, if you plan on wearing your 1920s bathing suit solely for fashion purposes, consider opting for a cotton jersey fabric which is more comfortable against the skin.

3. Color and Patterns

The color and patterns of 1920s bathing suits were bold and eye-catching. Bright colors such as red, blue, yellow, and green were popular choices, as well as nautical-inspired stripes and polka dots. Some swimsuits also featured fun novelty prints like tropical fruits or animals.

4. Neckline

The neckline of 1920s women’s bathing suits varied depending on personal preference. Some had high necklines with collars or ruffles for a more conservative look while others had lower scoop necklines for a more daring style.

5. Accessories

No swimsuit is complete without accessories! To complete your 1920s beach look, consider adding some accessories such as a wide-brimmed sun hat, oversized sunglasses, or a parasol umbrella for added sun protection.

6. Sizing

When purchasing a vintage-inspired swimsuit like a 1920s women’s bathing suit, it is important to pay attention to sizing. Vintage sizing can differ significantly from modern sizing so be sure to check the measurements provided by the seller before making your purchase.

7 . Where to Buy

You can find authentic vintage 1920s women’s bathing suits at specialized vintage clothing stores or online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay. If you prefer new reproductions with modern sizing options, there are plenty of retailers that offer vintage-inspired swimwear collections.

In conclusion,

A 1920s women’s bathing suit is not only a stylish addition to your swimwear collection but also carries historical significance in reflecting the changing attitudes towards female fashion during that era. With these key factors in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect vintage-inspired swimsuit that will make you stand out at any pool party or beach outing!

Author Profile

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Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.