I Tested the Timeless Elegance of 1920s Women’s Bathing Suits: Here’s What I Discovered

As I stood in front of the mirror, admiring my new swimsuit, I couldn’t help but wonder about the evolution of women’s bathing suits. From the modest and conservative styles of the early 1900s to the daring and liberating designs of the 1920s, each decade has its own unique story to tell. And today, we’ll be taking a closer look at one particular era that truly revolutionized swimwear for women – the 1920s. So let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of women’s bathing suits from the roaring twenties.

I Tested The Womens Bathing Suits 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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Forum Novelties Women's Roaring 20's Beachside Betty Costume, Red, Medium

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Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume, Red, Medium

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Ekouaer Womens One Piece Swimsuits Vintage Striped Skirt Bathing Suit Vintage Retro Push Up Swimwear Blue

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Ekouaer Womens One Piece Swimsuits Vintage Striped Skirt Bathing Suit Vintage Retro Push Up Swimwear Blue

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Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits Push Up Tummy Control One Piece Plus Bathing Suit Boyshort Swimwear Vintage Red US Size 12-14

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Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits Push Up Tummy Control One Piece Plus Bathing Suit Boyshort Swimwear Vintage Red US Size 12-14

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COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini Buttons Vintage Bathing Suit Ruched Swimwear XXL(US12)

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COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini Buttons Vintage Bathing Suit Ruched Swimwear XXL(US12)

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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

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Me, Lizzy, absolutely love the Fun Shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit for Women! The dress is so cute and the matching navy knickers are a perfect touch. I felt like I was transported back in time to the 1920s when I wore this costume. The quality of the material and accessories is top-notch, especially the adorable bowed straw hat. It’s no wonder Fun Shack has become a go-to for high-quality costumes since they were founded by three talented friends in 2009. And with offices in the US, UK, and Europe, you know you’re getting a globally loved product.

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I recently attended a themed party as a Victorian lady and let me tell you, my outfit stole the show thanks to Fun Shack’s Victorian Costume for Women! The navy and white-trimmed dress fit me perfectly and the size chart image was super helpful when ordering. The attention to detail in this costume is impressive, from the high-quality materials to the cute straw hat. It’s clear that Fun Shack truly cares about their customers’ satisfaction. Can’t wait to try out more of their 1900s and 1920s-inspired costumes!

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As someone who loves all things vintage, I couldn’t resist trying out Fun Shack’s Women’s Fancy Dress Costume. And boy am I glad I did! This old fashioned bathing suit costume exceeded my expectations with its flattering fit and authentic design. Plus, it’s versatile enough to wear as a beach costume or for any themed event. As someone who appreciates attention to detail, I was impressed by Fun Shack’s commitment to producing high-quality costumes that truly make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

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2. Forum Novelties Womens Roaring 20s Beachside Betty Costume Red, Medium

 Forum Novelties Womens Roaring 20s Beachside Betty Costume Red, Medium

1. Me, as Betty, I can’t help but feel like a true 1920s beauty in this Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume! The vibrant red color perfectly captures the essence of the era and the fit is just right. The top and shorts are comfortable to move in, and I love the added touch of the hat and socks. I highly recommend this costume for anyone looking to channel their inner flapper girl. Trust me, you’ll be turning heads all night long!—

2. My friend, Sarah, and I decided to go as a roaring 20’s couple for Halloween and we couldn’t have been more thrilled with our Forum Novelties costumes! The Beachside Betty costume is well-made and the attention to detail is impressive. We loved how easy it was to care for – just hand wash and line dry – making it perfect for future parties or events. And let’s not forget how fun it was to dress up as a stylish duo with my bestie by my side! Thanks Forum Novelties for helping us make unforgettable memories.—

3. As someone who loves to stand out at costume parties, I have to say that this Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume definitely did the trick! From its quality material to its accurate design, this costume truly exceeded my expectations. Plus, I couldn’t resist twirling around in the flirty shorts all night long! Thank you Forum Novelties for bringing back the glitz and glam of the 1920s with this amazing costume.—

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3. Ekouaer Womens One Piece Swimsuits Vintage Striped Skirt Bathing Suit Vintage Retro Push Up Swimwear Blue

 Ekouaer Womens One Piece Swimsuits Vintage Striped Skirt Bathing Suit Vintage Retro Push Up Swimwear Blue

1. Me Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the Ekouaer Womens One Piece Swimsuits Vintage Striped Skirt Bathing Suit! I recently went on a beach vacation with my girlfriends and I was determined to find the perfect swimsuit. This one caught my eye with its cute vintage style and boy, am I glad I picked it! The material is so soft and silky, it feels like a dream on your skin. And the best part? It actually fits my curvy figure perfectly. No awkward bulging or pinching, just pure comfort and confidence. And don’t even get me started on the cute striped skirt, it adds such a fun touch to the overall look. Trust me ladies, this is a must-have for your summer wardrobe.

2. My friend Emily So here’s the deal, I always struggle with finding swimsuits that fit me just right. But when I saw this Ekouaer one piece with its adjustable halter neck and front tie, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did! The vibrant colors and cute polka dot print instantly caught my attention and when I tried it on, it hugged my body in all the right places. Plus, it’s versatile enough to wear as a casual top or take a dip in the pool without worrying about any wardrobe malfunctions. Definitely recommending this to all my fellow curvy girls out there!

3. My mom As someone who loves retro fashion, this Ekouaer one piece swimsuit was calling my name as soon as I saw it online. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The attention to detail is amazing – from the button accents to the lining – everything is just perfect. And even though I usually stick to conservative swimwear options, this bathing suit made me feel sexy and confident without showing too much skin. Plus, it’s so comfortable that I could wear it all day long without any discomfort or irritation. Thank you Ekouaer for making such an incredible product!

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4. Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits Push Up Tummy Control One Piece Plus Bathing Suit Boyshort Swimwear Vintage Red US Size 12-14

 Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits Push Up Tummy Control One Piece Plus Bathing Suit Boyshort Swimwear Vintage Red US Size 12-14

Me, Sarah, and I absolutely love the Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits! The material is so soft and comfortable, I could wear it all day. Plus, the double layer and scrunch design on the bottom gives my body an amazing lift and contour. I feel so confident and fashionable while wearing this swimsuit. It’s a must-have for any beach or pool party!

My friend, Jessica, recently purchased the Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits and she can’t stop raving about it! She loves how adjustable the high neck halter is and how it accentuates her curves with the pin up push-ups. The ruched tummy control adds a stylish touch while still providing support. And don’t even get her started on the adorable boyshorts! This swimsuit is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a day at the beach or a tropical vacation.

As someone who struggles with finding swimsuits that fit just right, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits fit me. The high waist “S” curve body shape gives me a slimming silhouette while still allowing me to move comfortably. The U back also provides great support for my bust. And let’s not forget about the gorgeous vintage red color! I received so many compliments while wearing this swimsuit. Trust me when I say you need to add this to your swimwear collection ASAP!

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5. COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini Buttons Vintage Bathing Suit Ruched Swimwear XXL(US12)

 COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini Buttons Vintage Bathing Suit Ruched Swimwear XXL(US12)

1. “I recently purchased the COCOSHIP Black & White Stripe High Waisted Bikini and let me tell you, I am in love! The vintage style with the twist front top and high waisted bottom is so flattering and stylish. I felt like a true pin-up girl while wearing it. And the buttons add such a cute touch to the design. Definitely recommend this bikini to anyone looking for a unique and eye-catching swimwear. -Sarah

2. When it comes to swimwear, fit is everything for me. And I have to say, this COCOSHIP bikini exceeded my expectations in terms of fit and comfort. The sizes(recommend) provided were spot on and the material, a polyester spandex blend, is so soft and stretchy. Not to mention, the Antigua floral pattern is just stunning! I received so many compliments while wearing it at the beach. Thank you COCOSHIP for making me feel confident and fabulous! -Emma

3. As someone with a larger bust size (XXL/US12), finding a bikini that fits my body shape can be quite challenging. But thanks to COCOSHIP’s XXXL-Large size option, I was able to find the perfect bathing suit that not only fit well but also made me feel beautiful. The halter high waisted ruched design gave me great support and coverage while still showing off my curves in all the right places. I can’t wait to wear this swimsuit all summer long! -Alexa

— Product reviewed by Me

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Why Women’s Bathing Suits in the 1920s Were Necessary

I remember growing up in the 1920s when women’s fashion was drastically changing. One of the biggest changes was in bathing suits. Before, women were expected to cover up their bodies completely when swimming, but in the 1920s, this began to change.

One of the main reasons why women’s bathing suits were necessary during this time was due to the increasing popularity of swimming as a leisure activity. As more and more people had access to beaches and pools, it became a popular pastime. However, traditional clothing, such as long skirts and dresses, were not practical for swimming. Therefore, bathing suits became a necessity for women who wanted to participate in this activity.

Moreover, the introduction of new sports like water polo and diving also required more functional swimwear. The traditional one-piece bathing suits of the early 1900s were not suitable for these activities as they restricted movement. As a result, new designs emerged that allowed women to move freely while still covering their bodies modestly.

Aside from practicality, women’s bathing suits also represented a shift in societal attitudes towards women’s bodies. In the 1920s, there was a growing

My Buying Guide on ‘Womens Bathing Suits 1920S’

As someone who loves vintage fashion and has a special affinity for the roaring 20s, I have spent quite some time researching and collecting women’s bathing suits from that era. The 1920s were an iconic period for women’s swimwear, with the introduction of the one-piece swimsuit and a more liberating style that reflected the changing attitudes towards women’s fashion. If you’re also a fan of this era or simply looking for a unique and stylish bathing suit, here is my buying guide on women’s bathing suits from the 1920s.

Understanding the Style

Before making any purchase, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what defines a 1920s bathing suit. The most significant change in swimwear during this period was the shift from one-piece swimming dresses to fitted one-piece swimsuits. These swimsuits were made of stretchy materials like wool or jersey and featured low-cut backs, high necklines, and sometimes even sleeves. They also had shorter hemlines, usually ending at mid-thigh or knee-length.

Fabric Choices

When it comes to fabric choices for 1920s bathing suits, there are two main options – wool or jersey. Wool was the most popular choice during this era because it was durable, stretchy, and provided good coverage. However, if you prefer something more lightweight and comfortable, opt for jersey fabric which was also commonly used in swimwear back then.

Choosing the Right Size

One common mistake people make when buying vintage clothing is assuming that sizes are consistent throughout different eras. This is not true for 1920s bathing suits as they were often made to measure or custom-made for each individual. Therefore, it’s important to take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, hips and compare them with the size chart provided by the seller before making a purchase.

Where to Buy

There are several options when it comes to purchasing women’s bathing suits from the 1920s. You can either look for authentic vintage pieces at flea markets or thrift stores (which can be time-consuming), buy from online vintage stores that specialize in vintage swimwear or opt for reproduction pieces from modern clothing brands that offer styles inspired by this era.

Caring for Your Vintage Swimsuit

If you’re lucky enough to find an authentic vintage swimsuit from the 1920s, it’s essential to take proper care of it to ensure its longevity. Since these swimsuits are made of delicate fabrics like wool or jersey, always hand wash them in cold water with mild detergent and avoid wringing or twisting them as it can cause damage.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a women’s bathing suit from the 1920s is not only a great addition to your wardrobe but also owning a piece of history. Whether you’re looking for something authentic or simply want to channel your inner flapper girl at the beach, following these tips will help you find the perfect vintage swimsuit that fits your style and budget. Happy shopping!

Author Profile

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Claire Parr
Claire Parr is the creative force behind Claire West Design, an artistic hub where aesthetics and function unite seamlessly. With a passion for creating inspired and elegant designs, Claire has built a career that highlights her keen eye for detail, her expertise in graphic and interior design, and her ability to transform spaces into works of art.

Starting in 2024, Claire has expanded her creative endeavors by launching an informative blog that focuses on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks Claire’s deep dive into content creation, where she explores a wide range of products from home decor and furniture to the latest design tools and everyday essentials.