All You Need To Know About Women's Swimwear
Women are so lucky they have lots of choices these days when it comes to swimwear. Unlike in the olden days when only the one-piece swimsuit was in style, today women just can't get enough of the numerous swimwear designs available on the market with various prints, colors and shapes. They have even become sexier and more daring leaving very little to the imagination.
Early beginnings
Did you know that the earliest swimwear were actually the bloomers and black stockings? It was in the later part of the 19th century when the first swimsuits for women were introduced. The princess cut featuring a blouse and trousers in one piece was released in 1880. A skirt below the knee was added to hide a woman's figure then.
The more daring swimwear for women came about at the start of the 20th century. Thanks to Annette Kellerman of Australia who got caught wearing a loose, one-piece suit in the U.S., the swimsuit eventually gained popularity.
By the 1920s, women were exposed to more recreation and sports activities. Proof of this was the first Bathing Suit Day that took place in May 1916 at New York City's Madison Square Garden. By that time, swimwear was already skimpier and sexier with the great influence of the French designs.
It was in 1934 when the body hugging type with lower shoulder straps was invented. The popular bikini was introduced in Paris in 1946 courtesy of designer Louis Reard. It got its name from the Bikini Atoll, a small group of islands in the South Pacific and a U.S. nuclear test site. And the rest of it is history.
Of course, the bikini is the most well known of all women's swimwear and what's noteworthy is that its sales was history itself in the swimwear fashion industry. Nearly 20 percent of swimsuit sales in the U.S. and Canada in 1984 was attributed to the bikini.
Popular styles
Men, women, children and even pregnant women have now their own swimming costumes to wear. Men not only have the swimming trunks but also the briefs, jammers, boardshorts, thongs, g-strings or bikini to go with whatever water sports activity they want to engage in.
Women can choose between the one-piece and two-piece swimsuits which come in variations. Whether they want to be a little conservative or go daring and sexier, there's always a style available on the market. Even the pregnant women need not hide their bulging tummies as what's in today is to show it off.
Additionally, Muslim women can now freely go to the beach or pool to enjoy a dip in the water without worrying about going against their custom. The burqini has been invented just for them and this swimwear boasts of great styles and designs as well.
Swimwear when chosen properly can enhance a woman's look. They not only provide support especially for the tummy but makes the body appear countoured in the right place as well. Having the ability to hide skin and body flaws, they are indeed a woman's best friend when summertime comes. So, get one now that's right for your body type and hit the beach or the pool.
