There was a time when swimming was more of a fashion challenge than a beachside pleasure. The history of the swimsuit did not begin with the small piece of fabric synonymous with vacations that we know today. Between modesty, textile innovation, and social movements, let’s dive into the evolution of the swimsuit.
The history of the swimsuit through the centuries
Antiquity: bathing without constraints
In Antiquity, Greeks and Romans were fond of public baths. While nudity was common, some opted for a linen or leather loincloth, foreshadowing what would become the swimsuit. There was no concern for textile performance here, just a matter of convenience. Frescoes found in Roman villas even depict women wearing what resemble ancient bikinis. An avant-garde style ahead of its time? Perhaps. A significant first step in the history of the swimsuit.
The Middle Ages and the Renaissance: water = public enemy no. 1
During the Middle Ages, water was accused of spreading diseases and epidemics. As a result, people avoided baths like the plague (literally), and the question of a swimsuit didn’t even arise. It was only in the 18th century that the benefits of thermal waters were rediscovered.
But bathing didn’t mean exposure: outfits fully covered the body. Sea baths, prescribed for their therapeutic virtues, even required bathers to wear fabric armor, often accompanied by a bathing cap to avoid any hair-related extravagance. A strict period in the history of the swimsuit.
The 19th century: swimming under strict supervision
Beaches became fashionable, but revealing too much was unthinkable. Men and women wore full-cover outfits. For men? A long-sleeved suit reaching the calves. Showing one’s torso? Unimaginable! Appearance took precedence over comfort, and water-friendly textiles were still a distant dream. Some seaside resorts even enforced strict dress codes for bathers, issuing fines for violations. Meanwhile, rolling changing cabins appeared, allowing bathers to change in privacy before entering the water.
Early 20th century: first evolutions and first scandals
In 1907, Australia imposed a "swimming robe" on men to conceal supposedly… too visible forms. They ended up wearing a kind of wide skirt over their swimsuits. But soon, with the rise of water sports, swimsuits started getting shorter. The "Topper" exposed arms, but the torso remained off-limits.
It wasn’t until 1932 and the introduction of the Tarzan brief that men finally dared to show their abs (or not, no pressure there). Competitive swimming, in search of aerodynamics, also drove the evolution of cuts and materials, making swimsuits more fitted and performance-oriented. A first step towards modernization in the history of the swimsuit.
Post-war era: the bikini revolution and the swimsuit’s emancipation
The 1940s marked a turning point. In 1946, Louis Réard introduced the bikini, sparking a global scandal. Meanwhile, men’s swimsuits continued to evolve: goodbye one-piece suits, hello swim briefs and swim shorts.
Synthetic materials finally allowed for quick drying and increased comfort. This era also saw the rise of the first specialized swimwear brands, contributing to the democratization of new models and the expansion of the swimwear industry. The history of the swimsuit had now entered a decidedly modern phase.
The influence of surfing and the explosion of styles
In the 1980s, surfing dictated fashion: the long swim short became the reference. Cooler and more practical, it temporarily sidelined the swim brief. But in the 2000s, the swim boxer, popular in pools, made a comeback. Then came the rise of the jammer, a long, tight-fitting swim short… you’ve definitely seen them at the Olympic Games. The evolution of cuts has responded to both athletic performance demands and fashion trends, with each decade bringing new innovations.
The evolution of the swimsuit
Constantly evolving cuts and styles
While trends have evolved over the decades, certain models have firmly established themselves in men's swimwear culture. Three main categories still dominate today: the swim brief, the swim boxer, and the swim short. Each meets specific expectations in terms of comfort, style, and practicality.
|
Swimwear type |
Definition |
|
Swim brief |
A tight-fitting, high-cut swimsuit offering great freedom of movement. Used in competitive and athletic swimming. |
|
Bandeau brief |
A variation of the brief with a slightly higher cut on the leg and a low waist, offering a more modern style. |
|
Sunga |
The Brazilian version of the brief, less tight, offering more coverage around the hips and waist but still fitted. |
|
Swim trunks |
A loose and short swimsuit, often equipped with an inner mesh lining for better support. Ideal for the beach and relaxation. |
|
Swim shorts |
Similar to swim trunks but more structured, sometimes with pockets. Length varies (mid-thigh to knee), suitable for swimming and leisure. |
|
Boardshort |
A long short reaching the knees, designed for water sports. Made of durable fabric, without an inner lining. |
|
Swim boxer |
A fitted swimsuit covering the upper thigh, offering a good balance between support and comfort. Very popular. |
|
Long swim boxer |
A more covering version of the boxer, extending to mid-thigh. Appreciated for a more discreet style in pools. |
|
Jammer |
A tight compression swimsuit extending to the knees. Used in competitions to enhance hydrodynamics. |
Each of these models has influenced the history of the swimsuit in its own way and has undergone variations shaped by fashion, sports, and textile advancements. The swim brief, long dominant, remains the preferred choice for swimmers and fans of minimalistic designs. The swim boxer, offering more coverage, has gained widespread popularity due to its balance of support and discretion. Lastly, the swim short, available in different lengths and styles, stands out as the most versatile option, perfect for both the beach and water activities.
The evolution of materials: from heavy cotton to innovative fibers
The arrival of synthetic fibers in the 1950s revolutionized the swimwear industry. Gone were the days of heavy, uncomfortable cotton—nylon, polyester, and fast-drying, form-fitting technical fabrics took over.
Today, innovations focus on more high-performance materials, offering better support, increased resistance to chlorine and UV rays, and even faster drying. Brands are also working to reduce the environmental impact of textile production by exploring alternatives to traditional materials.
Eco-friendly swimwear: a new challenge
Some brands are now incorporating sustainability into their designs. At BLUEBUCK, for example, we offer swim shorts made from SEAQUAL™, a recycled polyester derived from plastic waste recovered from the ocean, actively contributing to ocean cleanup efforts.
Our swim briefs and trunks use ECONYL®, a recycled nylon fiber that supports a circular economy and reduces virgin plastic production.
The future of swimwear is clearly focused on resource conservation and textile innovation.
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From Antiquity to today, the history of the swimsuit has followed the evolution of societal norms and textile advancements. From excessive modesty to ultra-minimalism, from heavy cotton to technical fibers, it has adapted to trends and expectations. And with current environmental challenges, the future of swimwear seems already set: more sustainable, more responsible, yet always stylish. Balancing performance, aesthetics, and ecological awareness, the swimsuit continues to write its history.