history of the swimsuit, 18th century to modern

In this video, I go through the history of women's swimwear showing items that I have made using historical patterns and original vintage pieces. We go through both the development of style as well as materials.

For more examples I've made a pinterest board

Videos on making some of the suits:

For more reading on the subject:

[kaytiej]

My mum, born in the 20s, talked about the hideous woollen swimsuits they all wore. She hated how they felt.
Your history of swimsuits is wonderful and you model them so well, showing that bodies were bodies, regardless of era.

[moriahanderson]

I'm a fan of the 40s style. I was in college in the 90s and had a vintage deadstock suite from the early 50s. I loved that suit. It was like a little dress with separate Bottoms. It was navy blue cotton with little red flowers and white trim. I seriously felt like a princess in it.

[thecalicoheart]

Honestly, I love the simplicity of swimming in a chemise! 😁 Thank you for all you share - your videos are fantastic. 😊

[lilykatmoon]

This was fascinating! My personal favorite is the Victorian Era followed by the 1920s one you just made. I really love how some of these look, silhouette wise, but not for my figure personally. I really want to make a Victorian swimsuit for myself. Wonderful video ❤

[KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

I have always liked any swimsuit that covers me up, even back when I was thin. By that definition, up through the 1920s would suit me best. I like suits which have skirts or look like a pair of shorts on the bottom. I hated suit shopping starting in the 1980s because it became so hard to find suits that were not high cut. I never found those type of legs comfortable at all. I enjoyed a look at this topic.

[kellybryson]

I love how the hairstyles changed as you were modeling. I wonder if it would have changed the look of the suit had you had your hair the same throughout.

[IlastarothTayre]

I admire your knowledge and your wardrobe! Everything somehow suits you perfectly, it's a true time-travelling experience. Also, I must confess I envy your body, it fits every style in an elegant yet youthful way. I'm so glad I found this channel, thank you for your work

[ObsidianFoxPlayz]

I really like the 1880s and the 1930s swimwear.

[NotAVampyre]

I think my favorite is the 1880s or the 1920s swimsuit for me personally.

[SouthFloridaSunshine]

Appreciate all the work you put into this and your other videos. I had a bay watch style suit but with a white lace overlay and almost like a lace flare at the top of the leg, I lost it doing photos for my short lived venture int acting. I loved that suit and at least had professional photos in it.

[rachelboughen]

I actually like the 1880s and 1920s suits because they offer more sun protection. I usually wear a modern rash vest and swim shorts if I go to the beach. I would love to see more fashionable versions of this nowadays - they’d probably be referred to as “modest”

[sparker]

Fantastic video ❤❤❤❤❤😊 If I had to choose🤔... 70s, modern then 40s. Regardless, you make them all look wonderful 🥰

[wiizaever]

I hope that's ok to say, but I think your voice/accent is really nice. You remind me of a teacher I had years ago.

[karlahovde]

I like the1940s silhouette best, and I think it would look best on my body type. I've never considered sewing my own swimsuit, but maybe I should try it!

[sweetlorikeet]

I'd heard a lot about woollen swimsuits, but I think this was the first time I'd heard mention of silk! Wool has obvious drawbacks as swimwear, but I'm very curious about how a silk swimsuit would feel and perform...

[bohemiansusan]

My favorite is the 1920s red suit, sans the top. Also the 90s suit but lower cut in the legs and rear. I've been considering making ponte knit swimsuits.

[inthewebnotoftheweb]

I don't want to sound all creepy internet weirdo, however you are amazing, so beautiful and talented. Color me impressed...

[spaghettiking]

That Victorian swimsuit is dapper as heck.

[helmaschine]

I've worn dress swimsuits since my teens in the 2010s. As in, a normal lycra(?) swimsuit with a sewn on lycra dress on top. Love the coverage and how "dressed" you still look in them.

As for historical suits, i think 40s and 50s would suit my sensibilities and body shape best ❤❤ an extra cover up skirt never goes amiss.

[srg]

Thank you, very interesting! Although I would probably wear a one piece now, fashion wise, I like the 40s the best