In the Victorian era, bathing suits covered as much of the body as possible--included stockings, hats and sleeves, and were made from wool that became heavy when wet. In 1907, Annette Kellerman, an Australian swimmer and water ballerina, wore a suit that exposed her arms, legs and neck to the United States. She was arrested for indecent exposure but helped pave the way for the swimsuit in the 20th Century.
In 1913, Carl Jantzen invented a two-piece women's woolen swimsuit. The close-fit design allowed women to swim more easily and competitively. About 1925, an elastic, two-way stretch textile made from Latex was introduced, called "Lastex." By the 1930s, the one-piece swimsuit gave way to the belted suit with or without top for men, (although many still wore the two-piece suits). For women, the lastex invention offered a more form fitted suit and the leg lines started to rise. The first completely synthetic fabric was invented by DuPont in 1938, called "nylon." In 1946, Louis Réard and Jacques Heim reinvented the "bikini," named after Bikini Atoll in the South Pacific. and the exposure of the midriff. Ursula Andress increased the bikini's fame in 1962, when she wore a white one in the James Bond film "Dr. No."
By the 1960s, the DuPont company had invented spandex, often sold under the brand name "Lycra." It remains a popular material for bathing suits. The 70's introduced the "thong" and the 80's brought along the "french cut" (leg openings high cut on the hips).
As the decades have evolved, swimwear has seemed to have gotten smaller along with the ability and desire to show more skin. Perhaps in time, we'll realize the the most flexible, the fastest drying, and the most affordable swim suit is your birthday suit.
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