Women's swimsuits have changed more than you probably realize throughout history. From the modest full-length bathing dresses with pants in the 1800s to the trendy bikinis we see today, swimwear styles evolve just as regular clothing does. Several iconic swimwear styles have significantly influenced the evolution of bathing suit fashion as we recognize it today. The team at Lulus conducted an in-depth exploration of how swimwear styles have changed over time throughout history, with this new infographic. One of the most pivotal moments in swimwear history occurred in 1946 with the groundbreaking invention of the bikini. Although variations of bikini-like swimwear had existed for centuries, the modern bikini revolutionized the entire industry.
In May 1946, French designer Jacques Heim introduced the Atome, a two-piece swim garment, and shortly after, in July 1946, Louis Réard created his own swimsuit and named it the bikini. The term "bikini" derived from Bikini Atoll, a coral reef in the Marshall Islands. While Heim's version was the first to be worn, it was Réard's bikini that ultimately popularized the name.
Infographic by: lulus
