History Of Women\u27s Swimwear from 1950 - Present

The past half-century has seen the creation of numerous fashion styles. However, no garment has been more impactful, and telling of the times than the swimsuit. The 1950’s gave birth to one of the most important garments in women’s fashion, the bikini. Designer Jacques Heim is responsible for introducing the scanty, two piece bathing suit to the world. Shortly thereafter, Lous Rėard dubbed his design the bikini. This design broke with decades of conformity in women’s fashion. Since then, women’s swimwear has undergone an incredible evolution. More than just a garment, the bikini contributed greatly to the women’s revolution in a post World War II world. This study aims to examine the evolution of women’s swimwear from 1950 to present. As evident through research, societal normalities of the times greatly influence fashion styles and trends. Women’s swimwear, specifically the bikini, must be recognized for its impact in perception of women in society, and subsequent revolutions