While the 1920s started the trend for leisure activities like swimming, it was economic changes in the 1930s that made swimming a pastime for everyone — not just those lucky enough to live near a beach.
The silhouette of the 1930s swimsuit took on direct inspiration from men’s swimsuits (which were still one pieces). Men were encouraged to build a muscular yet lean sportsman’s body. Women also needed to slim down into an athletic body that was tall, lean, and curvy up top to flatter the latest bias cut dresses.
Bathing suits in the early 1930s changed little from the 1920s styles. 1930s swimsuits were cut to show off more leg and more back skin than ever before. The thin straps also made the shoulders appear broader and more athletic. The new shape became what we know as the modern swimsuit today.
Take a look at these vintage photos to see what ladies’ bathing suits looked like in the 1930s.
several of these were from the 40s and one from the 50s
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