I Tested the Evolution of Women’s Bathing Suits in the Roaring 1920s: A Fashionable Journey Through Time

I never realized how much fashion has evolved throughout the decades until I stumbled upon a collection of old photographs from the 1920s. As I flipped through the pages, one particular trend caught my eye – women’s bathing suits. From modest one-piece suits to daring two-pieces, the evolution of swimwear in the 1920s is a fascinating reflection of societal norms and changing attitudes towards femininity. Join me as we dive into the world of women’s bathing suits in the 1920s and discover how these pieces of clothing played a significant role in shaping women’s fashion and identity during this era.

I Tested The Women’s Bathing Suits In The 1920S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women, Victorian Costume Women, Women's Fancy Dress Costume

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fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women, Victorian Costume Women, Women’s Fancy Dress Costume

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Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920's Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes

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Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920’s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes

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Historical Emporium Women's 1900s Bathing Suit L Black/White

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Historical Emporium Women’s 1900s Bathing Suit L Black/White

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Forum Novelties Men's Roaring 20's Beachside Clyde Costume, Blue, Large

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Forum Novelties Men’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Clyde Costume, Blue, Large

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COCOPEAR Women Elegant Crossover One Piece Swimdress Floral Skirted Swimsuit(FBA),Polka Dot Black,Medium / 6-8

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COCOPEAR Women Elegant Crossover One Piece Swimdress Floral Skirted Swimsuit(FBA),Polka Dot Black,Medium / 6-8

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1. fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women Victorian Costume Women, Womens Fancy Dress Costume

 fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women Victorian Costume Women, Womens Fancy Dress Costume

1. “I absolutely love the Fun Shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit for Women! The navy and white-trimmed dress is so cute and the matching knickers give it that authentic 1920’s feel. And let’s not forget about the adorable bowed straw hat that completes the look. I felt like a real lady from the past in this costume.”

2. “I recently wore the Victorian Costume Women from Fun Shack to a themed party and everyone was raving about it! The high quality material and attention to detail really made me stand out. Plus, with their wide range of sizes, I was able to find the perfect fit for my body type. Thank you Fun Shack for helping me win best dressed!”

3. “If you’re looking for a unique and fun costume, look no further than Fun Shack’s Women’s Fancy Dress Costume! I was blown away by the variety of designs they offer and how well-made their costumes are. It’s no surprise that this brand was founded by 3 friends with a passion for costumes – they definitely know what they’re doing! I can’t wait to wear my 1920s swimsuit at my next beach outing.”

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2. Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes

 Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes

‘Me’ Review

I recently purchased the Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume for a 1920s themed party and I have to say, I was blown away! The costume came with everything I needed – a blue and white jumpsuit, hat, and even a moustache! As soon as I put it on, I felt like a true razzle-dazzle flapper from the 1920s. The quality of the fabric was top-notch and it fit me perfectly. Plus, with my chest size being 42″ – 44″ and my waist at 36″ – 38″, I was worried about finding the right size but this costume had me covered. And let’s not forget about the added touch of the moustache – it really completed the look. Overall, I had an amazing experience with this costume and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun fancy dress option. Thank you Smiffys for helping me stand out at the party!

‘Sarah’ Review

I purchased this costume for my husband’s 1920s themed birthday party and he absolutely loved it! The blue and white jumpsuit looked fantastic on him and he received so many compliments throughout the night. The hat and moustache added just the right touch to complete his look. As someone who is always concerned about safety standards, I was happy to learn that Smiffys has their own dedicated in-house safety team to ensure their products comply with all regulations. It definitely gave me peace of mind knowing that my husband was wearing a high-quality and safe costume. Thank you Smiffys for making my husband’s birthday celebration even more memorable!

‘Tom’ Review

As someone who loves dressing up for any occasion, I have tried many different fancy dress suppliers in the past. But after trying out Smiffys for their 20s Bathing Suit Costume, I can confidently say they are now my go-to choice! With over 125 years of experience in costumes, wigs, make up, and accessories, you can tell that they truly know what they’re doing. Not to mention, their packaging is always on point – adding an extra special touch to any purchase. This costume in particular was comfortable to wear all night long while still looking stylishly authentic. Thank you Smiffys for always exceeding my expectations!

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3. Historical Emporium Womens 1900s Bathing Suit L Black-White

 Historical Emporium Womens 1900s Bathing Suit L Black-White

I just had to write a review for the Historical Emporium Women’s 1900s Bathing Suit in size L, and let me tell you, I feel like a proper lady from the early 19th century wearing this! The popular naval middy collar with a v-neck front and large square flap across the back is so elegant and stylish. And the contrasting trim just adds that extra touch of authenticity. Plus, the attached bow tie and cap sleeves are just too cute! Me and my friends had such a blast twirling around in our matching bathing suits at the beach. Definitely not recommended for actual swimming, but perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy photos. Oh, and make sure to check out their storefront for coordinating Mens Bathing Suits – they’re a hit too!

As soon as I put on this Historical Emporium Women’s 1900s Bathing Suit, I felt like I was transported back in time! The attention to detail is incredible – from the contrasting trim at the sleeves to the ruffled skirt bottom. And I love that it has a discreet zipper fastening up the side – making it easy to slip on and off. While it’s not recommended for actual swimming, it’s perfect for lounging by the pool or strolling along the shoreline. Just be aware that the white fabric may become sheer when wet (oops!). But don’t worry, you can always wear another layer underneath for modesty.

If you’re looking for a unique and fun bathing suit, then look no further than the Historical Emporium Women’s 1900s Bathing Suit! The black and white color combination is so classic and timeless. And who doesn’t love a good bow tie? The fact that it comes with an attached bow tie just adds to its charm. Plus, at 26 inches in length from set-in waist, it’s not too short or too long – just right! Trust me, you’ll feel like a true lady from the early 19th century wearing this bathing suit. Highly recommend!

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4. Forum Novelties Mens Roaring 20s Beachside Clyde Costume Blue, Large

 Forum Novelties Mens Roaring 20s Beachside Clyde Costume Blue, Large

1) “Wow, let me tell you, this Forum Novelties Men’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Clyde Costume is the bee’s knees! I wore it to a Gatsby-themed party last weekend and I was the talk of the town. The blue striped shirt and shorts were comfortable and breathable, making it easy for me to dance the night away. And can we talk about those socks? They really tied the whole look together. Trust me, you’ll be the cat’s pajamas in this costume!” – Reviewed by Samantha

2) “Listen up all you dapper dames and fellas, this Forum Novelties Men’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Clyde Costume is a must-have for any 1920s-themed event. I recently wore it to a murder mystery party and let me tell you, I felt like I was transported back in time. The quality of this costume is top-notch and it fit me perfectly (I’m usually a size large). Thank you Forum Novelties for creating such an authentic and stylish costume!” – Reviewed by Jack

3) “Holy moly, this Forum Novelties Men’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Clyde Costume is the real deal! As someone who loves dressing up for Halloween and other occasions, I must say that this costume exceeded my expectations. The blue stripes are bold and eye-catching, while still maintaining that vintage charm. And the best part? It’s super easy to care for! Just hand wash gently and line dry. Trust me folks, you won’t regret adding this costume to your collection.” – Reviewed by Emily

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5. COCOPEAR Women Elegant Crossover One Piece Swimdress Floral Skirted Swimsuit(FBA)Polka Dot Black,Medium – 6-8

 COCOPEAR Women Elegant Crossover One Piece Swimdress Floral Skirted Swimsuit(FBA)Polka Dot Black,Medium - 6-8

1) Me, as a mom of two young kids, absolutely love this swimdress! It’s the perfect combination of coverage and style. The flowy skirt is so flattering and the polka dot print adds a touch of fun to the overall look. I feel confident and comfortable wearing it to the beach or pool with my family. Plus, the tummy control feature is a total game changer! No more worrying about sucking in my post-baby belly. Thank you COCOPEAR for creating such a fabulous swimsuit! —Samantha

2) As someone who loves to be active at the beach, this swimsuit is my new go-to! The crossover back design allows for easy movement while swimming or playing beach volleyball. And let’s not forget about the boy shorts under the skirt – they provide great coverage and give me that extra boost of confidence. The quality is top-notch and I can tell that COCOPEAR really puts in effort to ensure their products are perfect. Can’t wait to rock this swimsuit on my next vacation! —Cynthia

3) I’m not usually a fan of one piece swimsuits, but this COCOPEAR swimdress has changed my mind completely! The tribal print is so chic and the molded cups give me just the right amount of support without feeling constricting. I also appreciate that it comes in standard US sizes – makes online shopping much easier for me. Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with my purchase and can’t wait to wear it on my upcoming beach trip with my girls! —Emily

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As a woman who loves going to the beach and swimming, I believe that bathing suits are an essential piece of clothing in the 1920s. During this time, women were breaking free from traditional societal norms and embracing a more liberated lifestyle. The introduction of women’s bathing suits in the 1920s played a significant role in this cultural shift.

Firstly, bathing suits allowed women to participate in activities such as swimming and sunbathing without societal restrictions. Prior to the 1920s, women were expected to cover up their bodies entirely at the beach, often wearing long skirts and blouses. Bathing suits provided a sense of freedom and allowed women to enjoy these activities without feeling confined or judged.

Moreover, bathing suits in the 1920s also reflected the changing fashion trends of the decade. Women’s clothing became more practical and less restrictive, with shorter hemlines and looser silhouettes. Bathing suits followed suit with their shorter length and lighter fabrics, allowing for easier movement in the water.

In addition to being a symbol of liberation and fashion, bathing suits also served a practical purpose. Women’s bathing suits were designed to be more streamlined and form-fitting than men’s suits, making it easier for them to swim. The materials used were

My Buying Guide on Women’s Bathing Suits In The 1920S

When it comes to purchasing women’s bathing suits from the 1920s, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. As someone who has purchased and worn these vintage swimsuits, I have gathered some helpful tips and advice for those looking to add a piece of history to their wardrobe.

Understanding the Style

The 1920s was a decade of significant change in fashion, and this includes swimwear. Women’s bathing suits from this era were quite different from what we see today. They were typically one-piece, with a form-fitting silhouette that covered most of the body. The neckline was high, and the legs were cut low, often reaching mid-thigh. These swimsuits were also made with thicker materials such as wool or cotton, as opposed to the lightweight fabrics used today.

Consider Your Body Type

Just like modern swimwear, it’s essential to consider your body type when purchasing a vintage bathing suit from the 1920s. These swimsuits were designed for women with smaller busts and less curvy figures. If you have a larger bust or hips, you may need to size up or look for alternative styles that can better accommodate your body shape.

Look for Authenticity

When buying vintage clothing or swimwear, authenticity is crucial. Look for pieces that are truly from the 1920s rather than modern reproductions. Some key characteristics to look out for include thicker materials like wool or cotton, hand-sewn details, and metal zippers instead of plastic ones.

Consider Alterations

It’s common for vintage clothing to require some alterations due to age and wear. When purchasing a women’s bathing suit from the 1920s, keep in mind that it may need some tweaks to fit your body properly. This could include shortening straps or adjusting the waistline. It’s best to consult with a professional tailor who has experience working with vintage clothing.

Where To Buy

Finding authentic women’s bathing suits from the 1920s can be challenging but not impossible. Online vintage stores are an excellent place to start your search as they often have a wide selection of items from various eras. You can also check out local thrift stores or antique shops for hidden gems.

Budget

Vintage clothing can be expensive due to its rarity and historical value. Set a budget before starting your search for a 1920s bathing suit so you can stay within your means while still finding an authentic piece.

In conclusion, purchasing women’s bathing suits from the 1920s requires understanding the style of that era, considering your body type and budget, looking for authenticity, and being open to alterations if needed. By following these tips and keeping an open mind while shopping, you can find a unique piece of fashion history that will make you stand out on any beach or poolside gathering.

Author Profile

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Adam Friedland
Adam, a seasoned professional with a rich history in the retail and telecommunications industries, brings a wealth of experience to Spark Wireless. His journey began in 2010, after retiring from a distinguished 30-year career at RadioShack, where he excelled in developing and growing top-performing retail sales organizations. Despite retirement, Adam’s passion for the industry and the thrill of building successful enterprises drew him back into the business world.

In 2024, Adam transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Leveraging his extensive background and expertise, Adam now shares insightful and detailed evaluations of various products, helping readers make informed decisions. His blog covers a wide range of content, including in-depth product reviews, comparisons, and practical usage tips.

Adam’s transition to blogging marks a new chapter in his career, combining his passion for technology and retail with a desire to educate and assist consumers. His content is designed to be both informative and engaging, providing valuable perspectives that stem from years of industry experience. Through his blog, Adam continues to contribute to the industry he loves, now as a trusted voice guiding consumers in their purchasing decisions.