The Evolution of Men's Swimwear
Since its creation, men's swimwear has undergone many different changes. Designed differently from the women's swimwear, its characteristic "boxiness" and solidity separate it from the female swimsuits that have somewhat exaggerated curves.
In the 1880's, the styles of men's swimwear stuck close to the traditional skivvies and changes happened slowly. The first types of the modern men's swimwear were uncomfortable and made the movement of swimming itself difficult. Nevertheless, the rather form-fitting wool item of clothing with long sleeves and leggings much similar to a full-body underwear was used and would change little for over a century.
Modesty was the main issue during the 1920's. In fact, a "Bathing Suit Regulations" publication was printed in May 17, 1917. It stated that men's swimwear had to be worn with a skirt or at least have a skirt effect and the "skirt" had to be worn outside of the trunks. Imagine how unmanly that is! Another alternative to have a suitable swimwear was to wear a flannel knee pants with a vest and a fly front. In time, men's swimwear started to get smaller, First the arms sleeves were removed and then the legs up to the middle thigh. Men's swimwear collars were removed up to the upper part of the chest. New kinds of fabrics allowed new varieties of more comfortable men's swim wear to be made.
The invention and development of Lastex, a synthetic rubber yarn, started a big evolution in men's swimwear. The Lastex made it possible to give the wearer the "nude" look that was popular during the 1930's. It provided the conditions for men's swimwear attire, and made it possible for the wearer to control the appearance of a fit garment. Baring men's chest while wearing a swimwear wasn't allowed until 1933. The development of a new swimwear was convertible-style clothing that allowed the top to be removed. It introduced a new concept in men's swimwear. But still, whenever the top was removed by just unzipping the zipper, it led to arrests due to "indecent exposure."
During the 1940's and 1950's, the public's objections against men baring their chests dwindled. Shorts became the typical men's swimwear and designs of explosions of colored patterns, fancy detailing or the "Cabana sets" which consisted of matching boxer trunks and shirts with loud prints such as zebra stripes and pony prints enjoyed much popularity.
Today, men's swimwear consists of swim trunks that, has become the staple clothing for men's recreational activities in the water. Men now have the option to choose which print they prefer, from animal prints, polka dots to bright red hearts (of course, anyone wearing trunks with bright red hearts might have questionable sexuality). The interest in water sports and in water related recreational activities have not changed even if different forms of the men's swimwear had been developed. In the past, men's swimwear had closely followed and matched women's swimwear designs accordingly. What emerged through time are ergonomically designed men's swimwear that is ideal for fast and easy movements, economically affordable, comfortable, and more revealing as well.
