How Have Swimsuits Changed Over The Years

As the earth rotates on its axis climate seasons are created. As society, we have adapted to these seasonal changes, even creating holydays specific to the seasons. However, there is one season that although it is not recognize by scientist is present every year. It comes after spring, and stays until fall, and it has the power of inflicting pain and worry in women’s mind everywhere. It is Swimsuit Season.

Throughout history, swimsuits have been known by many names, and have changed dramatically over the years. From long dresses, to small pieces of cloth that barely cover the women’s body. Swimsuits have always been a controversial garment in the world of fashion.

The first known appearance of swimsuits dates back to the late 3rd century. Where

She felt that the current bathing suits of this era did not allow for women to do anything but occasionally dip themselves in the water. Thus, she produced and marketed one-piece, knee length swimsuits known as "Kellermans". Her bathing costume was so controversial for that time that in 1907; while promoting a coast swim in Boston she was arrested for indecency. While arrested she continued to advocate swimming as a healthy benefit. She argued against the oversize bathing suits, as it impaired women from swimming freely. Eventually, she reached an agreement with the judge, allowing her to continue to wear her one-piece suit while in the water. However, she needed to wear a robe anytime she was outside the water. This event created news worldwide and "Kellermans" continue to rise in popularity. Over the next couple of years, the idea of swimming as a recreational pastime for both men and women started to become more widespread.

Another important step in the evolution of swimsuits happened during 1913. Carl Jantzen, along with his brother John A. Jantzen, and their partner Roy Zehntbauer had been successfully running a knitting company in Portland Oregon. During their leisurely time, they were avid rowers and belong to the Portland Rowing Club. Thus, when a member of the club asked if they could design a suit that had enough stretch to support the wearer’s movement while rowing; but that was

On July 5th, 1946 Louis Réard revealed his prototype of the suit. A women’s two-piece bathing suit consisting of 4 triangles tied together with string. The entire suit was made of only 30 inches of fabric. The bathing suit was so small; it could be pulled through a ring. He named his creation “Bikini” after the south pacific island of Bikini Atoll. Four days prior to his bikini debut, the United States military has conducted a series of nuclear bomb test at the island. The designer wanted his creation to be as shocking as the atomic bomb