Bathing Costume May 2026

Early costumes were predominantly made of , which became dangerously heavy when wet. Modern swimwear transitioned to: history of the swimsuit, 18th century to modern

Women wore voluminous, ankle-length gowns made of wool or linen. These often included weighted hems (using lead) to prevent the fabric from floating and exposing the legs. bathing costume

Suits evolved into knee-length tunics worn over bloomers. Modesty was strictly enforced; women often used bathing machines —covered carriages rolled into the water—to enter the sea privately. Early costumes were predominantly made of , which

The term "swimsuit" was coined in 1915 by Jantzen. Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman famously challenged norms in 1907 by wearing a form-fitting one-piece, which led to her arrest for indecency. Suits evolved into knee-length tunics worn over bloomers

Developed in 1946 by Louis Réard, the bikini emerged partly due to wartime fabric rationing. Material Development