Historical Design Development: Swimwear

Women were prohibited from public swimming, and men wore wool flannel suits from neck to knee.

Swimming laws were challenged, and women wore bloomers with an overdress. Men and women swam in separate beach areas.

Sunbathing increased, leading to fitted swimsuits, still mostly wool.

Beachgoing soared, with rules on beach attire. Swimsuits were skin-tight wool jersey, showing arms and backs.

Swimwear designs became more revealing, with lower necklines and higher hemlines.

Bikini introduced, with built-in corsets/bra cups, and central back zippers.

Pool culture arose, focusing on sunbathing and leisure.

Swimwear choices (one-piece, bikinis, wetsuits, etc.) became widely accepted, with modern trends influencing design and sustainability concerns.

A horse-drawn carriage used to transport women to the beach for bathing, allowing privacy.

Layers of clothing, including petticoats, dresses, and additional coverings, worn by women whilst bathing in the era.

Swimwear that began to show more of the female form, partially revealing the figure for sun exposure.

Women's involvement in competitive swimming, impacting swimsuit design.

One-piece bathing suits emphasizing less fabric and more exposure (with less fabric exposure).

The concept of maintaining a delicate balance between visibility and modesty in swimwear choices.

Bathing practices in the Victorian era that often relied on coverings for modesty.

The gradual change in style and design of women's bathing suits over various periods of time.

High-performance swimsuits can cost $300-$600 US, limiting access for most swimmers

Fastskin is a Speedo swimsuit designed to reduce drag and increase swimming speed, a design innovation.

Speedo's IQ Fit technology uses a streamlined fit, tailored to individual needs, optimizing performance.

Speedo's Biofuse swimwear combines advanced materials to reduce drag and improve swimming form. It focuses on reducing the drag through its design.

Speedo is attempting to reduce its environmental impact through sustainable materials and waste reduction policies, ethical practices and community projects.

Swimsuits changed from restrictive Victorian styles to more modern, functional, and revealing designs, embracing lighter fabrics and diverse styles.

Swimsuits in the 1940s highlighted women's curves, showcasing arms and legs.Functionality and lighter fabrics were also important.

Post-war leisure provided more opportunities to enjoy swimwear, leading to more 'provocative' swimsuit designs. Increased focus on functionality.

About half of Americans find wearing speedos on the beach acceptable, while the other half find them inappropriate.

Mexico has an overwhelmingly large percentage of likely beachgoers.

About 31% of surveyed people are more likely to go topless on the beach.

In the USA, 52% of people are more likely to favor baggy and loose beach wear.

Mexicans and Canadians are more likely to wear baggy and loose clothing on the beach (99% and 91% respectively).

Past changes in design, often influenced by societal shifts, that shaped the textile industry.

How social norms, values, and trends impact the development and design of textiles over time.

A specific area within textile design, like swimwear or clothing, used as a lens to study historical evolution.

Society in the present, impacted by and reflecting influences from its past.

Examining and interpreting the impact of past developments on the design of textiles, considering how society was influenced and how society influenced it.

Large shoulder pads on women's suits, suggesting feminine power and authority

Individuality and youth trends like hip-hop loose clothing were popular.

Limited fabrics and styles due to wartime regulations; introduced a shorter skirt and square-shouldered jacket.

Women's clothing was designed for activity, emphasizing a boyish look and casual trousers.

Asian fashion elements, such as mandarin collars, influenced Western clothing styles.

Full skirts that were an instant success after the war's austerity.

Big was better, with large shoulder pads and strong colors reflecting economic prosperity.

Jeans became a symbol of rebellion and youth culture during the rock-and-roll era.