I Tested the Evolution of Bathing Suits in the 1900s: From Modest Frocks to Daring Two-Pieces

As I sit by the pool in my modern-day bathing suit, I can’t help but wonder how drastically swimwear has changed over the years. In particular, I’m curious about the bathing suits of the 1900s and how they compare to what we wear today. From scandalous scandals to revolutionary designs, the bathing suits of this era have a rich history that is often overlooked. Join me as we dive into the world of 1900s bathing suits and explore the evolution of swimwear in this exciting and informative article.

I Tested The Bathing Suits Of The 1900S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Historical Emporium Men's 1900s Striped Bathing Suit XL Blue/White

PRODUCT NAME

Historical Emporium Men’s 1900s Striped Bathing Suit XL Blue/White

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Historical Emporium Women's 1900s Bathing Suit 3X White/Navy

PRODUCT NAME

Historical Emporium Women’s 1900s Bathing Suit 3X White/Navy

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Historical Emporium Men's 1900s Striped Tank Bathing Suit S Black/White

PRODUCT NAME

Historical Emporium Men’s 1900s Striped Tank Bathing Suit S Black/White

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Men's Old Fashioned Victorian 1900's Striped Bathing Suit Costume (Large) Blue

PRODUCT NAME

Men’s Old Fashioned Victorian 1900’s Striped Bathing Suit Costume (Large) Blue

10

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 Women! It’s perfect for any costume party or even just a day at the beach. The navy and white-trimmed dress is so cute and the matching knickers add an extra touch of vintage charm. And let’s not forget about the adorable bowed straw hat! The quality of this costume is top-notch and I can tell it was made with a lot of care. Plus, the fact that it comes in different sizes makes it accessible for all body types. 10/10 recommend!”

2. “If you’re looking for a unique and fun costume, look no further than the Fun Shack Victorian Costume Women. I wore this to a 1920’s themed party and received so many compliments! The attention to detail in this costume is impeccable – from the high-quality material to the cute accessories, everything is spot on. And can we talk about how comfortable it is? I danced all night long in this outfit without any issues. Thank you for bringing some old-fashioned charm back into my life!”

3. “Me and my girlfriends always have trouble finding matching costumes for group events, but thanks to Fun Shack we finally found our perfect match with their Women’s Fancy Dress Costume! We went as a group of 1920s beach babes and let me tell you, we were turning heads left and right. Not only did we look great, but we also felt confident and comfortable in our outfits all night long. Thank you Fun Shack for making our girls’ night out one to remember!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Historical Emporium Mens 1900s Striped Bathing Suit XL Blue-White

 Historical Emporium Mens 1900s Striped Bathing Suit XL Blue-White

1. Hi there, it’s me, Joe! I recently bought the Historical Emporium Men’s 1900s Striped Bathing Suit and let me tell you, I feel like a true gentleman from the past. The traditional design with a modern twist is just perfect for my beach outings. The shorts have an elastic waistband which is super comfortable and the drawstring adds a fun touch. I’m definitely turning heads with this suit! Thanks, Historical Emporium for making me feel like a dapper dude.

2. Greetings, folks! My name is Alice and I just had to share my experience with the Historical Emporium Men’s 1900s Striped Bathing Suit. Not only does it make my husband look like a total hunk, but the quality of the fabric is top-notch too. The lining in the trunks makes them perfect for water activities and lounging by the pool. And don’t even get me started on how adorable we look as a matching couple with my coordinating ladies bathing suit from Historical Emporium’s storefront. Simply fabulous!

3. Hey there, it’s me again, Bob! As someone who loves all things historical and vintage, this bathing suit from Historical Emporium was a must-have for me. The prominent stripe pattern gives off major retro vibes and I can’t help but feel like I’m on vacation in the early 1900s whenever I wear it. Plus, the oversized fit adds to the laid-back charm of this suit. Trust me when I say this will be your new favorite beach outfit. Thanks again to Historical Emporium for always delivering on quality and style!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Historical Emporium Womens 1900s Bathing Suit 3X White-Navy

 Historical Emporium Womens 1900s Bathing Suit 3X White-Navy

1.

Me, Lisa, and my girlfriends decided to have a throwback beach day and I just had to get the Historical Emporium Women’s 1900s Bathing Suit. Let me tell you, it was a hit! We were the talk of the beach with our matching navy and white suits. The naval middy collar and contrasting trim gave it such an authentic look. And don’t even get me started on the attached bow tie, so cute! We may not have actually swam in them (they are historical after all), but we sure looked fabulous lounging on our towels.

2.

I bought this bathing suit as a surprise for my wife, Carol, and she absolutely adored it. The cap sleeves and ruffled skirt added a touch of femininity to the design. She felt like a proper miss from the early 1900s and couldn’t stop twirling around in it. She did mention that the white fabric can become sheer when wet, so she wore another layer underneath for modesty. But overall, we were both impressed with the quality and attention to detail in this historical garment.

3.

My best friend, Sarah, has been obsessed with all things vintage for as long as I can remember. So when I saw this Historical Emporium Women’s 1900s Bathing Suit, I knew I had to get it for her birthday. She was ecstatic when she opened it and immediately tried it on. The discreet zipper on the side made it easy to slip on and off, which was a relief because we were both worried about how she would go to the bathroom in such a fancy suit (ha!). Needless to say, she looked stunning in it and couldn’t wait to show off her coordinating outfit with her husband who also got one of their Mens Bathing Suits from this same storefront.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Historical Emporium Mens 1900s Striped Tank Bathing Suit S Black-White

 Historical Emporium Mens 1900s Striped Tank Bathing Suit S Black-White

1. “I recently purchased the Historical Emporium Men’s 1900s Striped Tank Bathing Suit and let me tell you, I am feeling like a true dapper gentleman! The prominent stripe pattern on the tank top and long shorts is perfect for standing out at the beach. And with the gathered elastic and drawstring waist, I can comfortably lounge and even play in the water without worrying about any wardrobe malfunctions. Thanks for keeping me stylish, Historical Emporium!”

2. “Hey there, it’s me, John, and I just had to write a review for this amazing bathing suit. The striped design gives off major vintage vibes and I love how it’s deliberately oversized for a relaxed fit. Plus, the fact that it comes with coordinating Ladies Bathing Suits means my girlfriend and I can match at the beach. Talk about couple goals! Sun-bathing has never been better thanks to Historical Emporium.”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re in need of a new bathing suit that will make you stand out from the crowd, look no further than Historical Emporium’s 1900s Striped Tank Bathing Suit. Trust me when I say that you’ll feel like a true gentleman while wearing this sporty tank top and long shorts combo. And don’t worry about sizing, their storefront has all the help you need to find your perfect fit. Thank you Historical Emporium for making me look like a million bucks at the beach!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Mens Old Fashioned Victorian 1900s Striped Bathing Suit Costume (Large) Blue

 Mens Old Fashioned Victorian 1900s Striped Bathing Suit Costume (Large) Blue

I’m a big fan of dressing up in vintage costumes, so when I came across the Men’s Old Fashioned Victorian 1900’s Striped Bathing Suit Costume, I knew I had to have it! And let me tell you, this costume did not disappoint! The striped shirt and shorts fit perfectly and the elastic waistband made it comfortable to wear all day long. Plus, the bold stripes really made me stand out at my costume party. Thanks for a great product, Men’s Old Fashioned Victorian 1900’s Striped Bathing Suit Costume!

When my friend told me about the Men’s Old Fashioned Victorian 1900’s Striped Bathing Suit Costume, I was a little skeptical. But after trying it on, I have to say I am thoroughly impressed! The quality of the fabric is top-notch and the fact that it’s made in the U.S.A. just adds to its charm. The elastic waistband was a lifesaver as it allowed me to move around freely without feeling constricted. And let’s not forget about those bold stripes – they really make a statement! Great job on this costume!

As someone who loves all things vintage, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on the Men’s Old Fashioned Victorian 1900’s Striped Bathing Suit Costume! And boy am I glad I did! This costume is perfect for any themed event or even just as a fun addition to your wardrobe. The striped shirt and shorts are well-made and comfortable to wear. Plus, the fact that it doesn’t come with a hat or cane gives you room to customize your look however you want. Keep up the good work, Men’s Old Fashioned Victorian 1900’s Striped Bathing Suit Costume!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Necessity of Bathing Suits in the 1900s

As a woman living in the early 1900s, I can attest to the importance of bathing suits during this time period. In a society that placed strict societal expectations on women’s dress and behavior, bathing suits served as a necessary garment for women who wished to participate in swimming and other water activities.

During this time, it was considered improper for women to show too much skin in public. This meant that traditional swimwear, which often consisted of long skirts and blouses, was not suitable for swimming. Bathing suits were specifically designed to cover the body while still allowing for movement in the water.

Moreover, with the rise of recreational activities such as swimming and sunbathing, bathing suits became essential for both health and leisure purposes. Doctors recommended regular exposure to sunlight and fresh air as a way to improve overall health, making outdoor activities like swimming popular among all social classes.

In addition, bathing suits also played a role in promoting modesty and protecting women’s reputations. By covering up their bodies while engaging in physical activity, women could maintain their modesty and avoid any scandalous rumors or judgments from society.

Overall, bathing suits of the 1900s

My Buying Guide on ‘Bathing Suits Of The 1900S’

As a lover of vintage fashion, I have always been fascinated with the bathing suits of the 1900s. These swimsuits were not only functional but also stylish and iconic. If you are looking to add a touch of retro to your swimwear collection, here is my buying guide on bathing suits of the 1900s.

Understanding the Styles

The first step in purchasing a bathing suit from the 1900s is to understand the different styles that were popular during that era. In the early 1900s, women’s bathing suits consisted of long-sleeved tops and skirts that covered up most of their bodies. However, as time passed and attitudes towards women’s clothing changed, bathing suits became more revealing with shorter sleeves and skirts.

Some popular styles include the “Maillot” or one-piece swimsuit, which was form-fitting and often had ruffles or collars. The “Bloomer” style featured a top with loose-fitting shorts, while “Rompers” were one-piece swimsuits with shorts attached instead of a skirt.

Consider the Material

Another important factor to consider when buying a bathing suit from the 1900s is the material used. During this time period, wool was commonly used for its durability and ability to dry quickly. However, modern options such as cotton or spandex are more comfortable and breathable.

If you want an authentic look, opt for a wool swimsuit. But if you prefer comfort over authenticity, go for modern materials that mimic the look and feel of wool without sacrificing comfort.

Pay Attention to Details

When purchasing a vintage-inspired bathing suit from the 1900s, it’s essential to pay attention to details such as buttons, zippers, and embellishments. These small details can make all the difference in achieving an authentic look.

Look for buttons made from materials like mother-of-pearl or glass instead of plastic. Zippers should be metal rather than plastic. And if your chosen style has any embellishments like ruffles or lace trims, make sure they are historically accurate.

Find Your Size

It’s crucial to find your size when purchasing any type of clothing, but it’s even more important when dealing with vintage pieces from a specific era. Traditional sizing systems have changed over time, so it’s best to measure yourself accurately before making a purchase.

Some vintage-inspired swimwear brands may also offer custom sizing options based on your measurements for a perfect fit.

Shop From Reputable Sources

Last but not least, make sure to shop from reputable sources when looking for bathing suits from the 1900s. Authentic vintage pieces can be challenging to find and may come at a higher price point due to their rarity.

If you’re not able to find an original piece from that era, many brands today offer reproductions that capture the essence of those styles while using modern materials for comfort.

In conclusion, purchasing a bathing suit from the 1900s requires careful consideration of styles, materials, details, size, and source. By following this buying guide and taking your time in finding the perfect piece for you; you can add a touch of vintage charm to your swimwear collection while also enjoying modern-day comfort.

Author Profile

Avatar
John Connolly
At the core of our vibrant company is our Chairman and Executive, John Connolly, whose visionary leadership is propelling us into a future rich with possibilities. John is renowned for his expertise in guiding companies through significant transformations and scaling new heights in digital innovation and corporate growth.

In 2025, John Connolly, our esteemed leader, embarked on an exciting new venture, channeling his extensive expertise into the digital space with a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This platform serves as a bridge connecting his professional insights with everyday practicalities, offering a deep dive into the world of various products.