From Bathing Suits to Swim Suits
- kathrinkim
- Jun 19
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 20
Yesterday, my husband and I rode our tandem bike around the lakes, here in Minneapolis. We've had a lot of rain this Spring and we haven't had very many days that have felt like Summer. But, today was a beautiful hot Summer day.
As we rode around the lakes we "people watched". Some were serious about their jogging, others walked dogs, while mother's, or nannies, were strolling toddlers around in joggers and wagons. Every so often we'd hear a little bell or someone say, "On your left" and a biker would pass us by.
As we took in the sights of Summer, the diversity of the Twin Cities was obvious as we saw mother's at the playgrounds sitting together in their long gowns and hijabs. Others sunbathed on the beaches in bikini tops and thong bottoms. I didn't want to see that much skin yet, the thought of any fabric covering me in this heat gave me a momentary desire to jump in the lake! We peddled on as I pondered the many styles of swim attire.
I recently picked up Marjorie Myers Douglas' book Barefoot on Crane Island. (Crane Island is in Lake Minnetonka.) I haven't read it yet but, I thumbed through it looking at the photos of her family from the 1920s. Their swimsuits from that time period look similar to some of my summer dresses. Over the decades, some of us have become very comfortable in our skin while other's have chose to be much more modest.
In the late1800s to the early 1900s, "swim suits" were not a thing. "Bathing suits" were what women wore to get into the water and cool off. Swimming in their gowns would have been highly unlikely. The fabric weighted down by water and the affect of wearing a net of fabric would have been dangerous. "Bathing suits" were simply for sitting in water and cooling down. They were often made of wool, flannel or linen.
By the late 1920s, knickers were getting shorter, armholes were getting deeper and necklines were getting lower. The concept of wearing an outfit a woman could really swim in had arrived. But, the first women to wear the "tank suits" were often arrested for "indecent exposure."
Some of the boldest changes came in the 1930s. Women had the option of a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit, the latter with halter top or brassier like top options and bottoms in shorts or a skort. Fabrics were changing greatly with the introduction of Lastex, a fabric made with yarn and rubber string, allowing a swimsuit to be more fitted and flexible and wrinkle free. Just think of the drastic change in fabric, and modesty, that took place in those thirty years!
The styles of the swimsuit into the 1950s continued to have a consistent feminine style and were somewhat modest (by today's standards). But, in Europe that was changing.
In 1946 French Designer Jacques Heim introduced the "atome", a more skin baring two-piece swim suit. Not long after, another French Designer, Louis Reard, released his "Bikini". It made a splash revealing much more of a woman's flesh and figure. The United States did not adopt this style as quickly as the European swimmers but, once it made it's way to the U.S., the beaches have never been the same.
My mom never allowed two-piece swimsuits growing up with the goal of instilling modesty. It worked. I've never felt comfortable being so exposed. Now, after some years and three children I carry weight around my middle, I have no desire to wear a two-piece still. But, that doesn't mean they are wrong for others. But, to be honest, if you are into style, bikini can have a limited amount of style. It's exciting to see the trends of swimwear nodding back to more glamourous times of the 1940s and 1950s where the one-piece was not only useful but, it has feminine details.
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SHOPPING
Every woman's body is beautiful in unique measurements. But, it is true that straight thin figures can find swimwear much easier than curvy, fuller figured gals. But, we don't give up, we persist. The goal is to find a swimsuit that is cute, comfortable and you feel confident in. It is possible.
Here are some options to consider. Remember, we always go up a size in swimwear. You haven't gained weight; that's the rule. So, if you wear a size 12 dress, choose a size 14/16 swimsuit.
Store: Macy's
Price: $155.00 on sale for $93.00
Details: The paisley print and the ruching give a flattering effect to tummies.
Store: Macy's
Price: $82.00 on sale for $41.00
Details: The pattern is flattering. The criss-cross effect at ribs hits like an empire-waist. This is just the top which can be mixed with briefs, skort or short bottoms.
Store: Macy's
Price: $128.00 on sale for $76.80
Details: The bold cobalt blue with dots is fun and energetic. The criss-cross effect at ribs hits like an empire-waist, which is flattering to busty and fuller figures. The side ruching/wrap is slimming and the skirt is practical. This is a really cute suit.
Store: Macy's
Price: $45.99
Details: Comfortable, casual and cute.
Great to camouflage bellies and busts.
Pair with a brief, skort or shorts.
Store: Dillard's
Price: $148.00
Details: The contrasting asymmetrical lines create the affect of a curve at the waistline AND if you have a smaller waistline to hip ratio, it is especially flattering.
Store: Dillard's
Price: $89.00 Top, $79.00 Bottom
Details: Tummy Control bottom, stylish strappy back, sporty style
Store: Macy's
Price: $60.00 on sale $30.00 Top,
$52.00 on sale $31.20 Bottom
Details: Tummy Control bottom, keyhole back detail with tie, and flattering tie front, empire waist top - I love this one!!
We no longer want bathing suits; we need swimming suits to play and swim in the water. When we live in the state of 10,000 lakes (and many more swimming pools) we don't want to miss out on the fun of Summers in the water.
Wishing you a Swimmingly Happy Summer!
Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant and Stylist Kathy Banta
Reach out to me to shop together, or to edit your closet, or to style you for an event.
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