Flashback Friday: Swimsuits of the Past

by Dana-Susan Crews

Swimsuits have changed an awful lot over the years. It's hard to say exactly when the swimsuit was invented, but the first recorded use of swim wear was in Greece in 350 B.C.

During the 18th century, spas where people engaged in public bathing began to grow in popularity, but modesty was of utmost importance. Bathing suits worn by women resembled a gown and some ladies even sewed weights into the hems to keep them from floating up in the water, exposing their legs.

As the economy began to improve in the mid 1800s, Americans began flocking to the beaches and swimming, surfing, and diving became popular recreational activities. For that reason, a special costume was needed, one that was modest, but free enough to allow for engaging in sports.

Soon,  swimming became an intercollegiate and Olympic sport. Technologies improved and styles began to change. In 1914 a young Scottish man named Alexander MacRae who had moved to Australia began making swimwear. The market for swimsuits was growing rapidly by then and the suits he designed were known for making a swimmer swim faster.

In 1928 he introduced his famous "racerback" suit which permitted greater freedom of movement and a staff member coined the slogan "Speed on in your Speedos" and the name Speedo was born. Interestingly, in Australia Speedos are referred to as "Budgy Smugglers" which is a term derived from the name of a small parrot. Apparently, the body hugging swimwear looks as if it is attempting to conceal a parrot when viewed from the front. Hmmm.

Today, the variety in swimwear is immeasurable. From Speedos to wetsuits to bikinis to jammers, there are all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors and styles. Here are a few interesting facts about swimsuits...

1. In 1907 Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman wore a one-piece suit in Boston that revealed her arms and legs. She was arrested for indecent exposure.
2. In 1921, swimwear manufacturer Jantzen changed the term "bathing suit" to "swimming suit" to justify their more revealing swimsuits as a form of athleticism.
3. The most expensive swimsuit in the world is a $30 million bikini which is made with more than 150 carats of D flawless diamonds all set in platinum.
4. The first Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition was published in 1964.
5. When the Barbie doll debuted in 1959, her first outfit was a black and white striped swimsuit.
6. The mankini (seen in the 2006 film Borat) is a sling-like swimsuit worn by a man.
7. Swimsuits can now be made from UV protective fabrics. These suits offer 50+ UPF blocking up to 98% of the sun's rays.
8. China is the world's largest exporter of swimwear.
9. Muslim women can now choose to wear a burqini.
10. In the 1920's there were swimsuit police who strolled along beaches  making sure that swimsuits were never more than six inches above the knee.

Swimsuit officer Bill Norton doing his job in 1922

The first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, 1964