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In the early 1800s people began to flock to beaches for sunny (and water-filled) amusement, which called for water-activity appropriate clothing.
In that time, modesty was key. Women wore long bathing dresses with weights to hold down the dress in the water and bloomers or stockings. Photo: Kean Collection/Getty Images
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Bathing machines (seen above) were designed to protect the modesty of bathers. Pulled to the edge of the sea by horses, they were moved according to the tides. Would-be bathers then could enter the machine at the back fully clothed and emerge in a swimming costume straight into the sea. Photo: Flickr
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Women in bathing suits on Collaroy Beach, 1908. Photo: Colin Caird/Flickr
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Women dressed in bathing suits walk arm in arm on a sandy beach, circa 1910. Photo: Underwood Archives/Getty Images
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A woman models the latest in beach costumes in 1918. Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images
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In the early 1900s, bathing suits no longer camouflaged the contours of the female body. The heavy fabrics were reduced to show a little more of the woman's figure and to allow for exposure to the sun. Photo: Wikimedia
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Three young women pose in swimsuits and their swimming competition medals. Photo: Trialsanderrors/Flickr
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The one-piece garment seen above was the norm around 1910. Though matching stockings were occasionally worn, vintage swimwear began to shrink, exposing more and more flesh. Photo: Anyjazz65/Flickr
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In the 1920s and early 1930s body hugging suits were in style. They were less restrictive and were cut at the upper thighs. Photo: STAFF AFP/Getty Images
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Filattering a woman's figure became the focus of the 1940s with elements like sweetheart necklines and ruching. Photo: Marion Hobbs/Flickr
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In 1959, two models pose in hand painted swimsuits in Australian Women's Weekly magazine. Photo: Bess Georgette/Flickr
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In 1946 the two-piece suit emerged. Necklines plunged at the back, sleeves disappeared and sides were cut away and tightened. Three swimsuit models present June 1951 at Paris Molitor open-air swimming pool the new two-piece bikini and matching pareos. Photo: AFP/Getty Images
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Frances Vorne, the model above, in a waist up photo wearing a bow tied bathing suit. Photo: Bettmann/Getty
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Sports Illustrated published its first swimsuit edition on January 20, 1964, with model Babette March on the cover sporting a simple, white bikini. Photo: Sports Illustrated
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In the early 1950s, the bikini went mainstream. Photo: David Zellaby/Flickr
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The early 1960s comprised the era of the SoCal-style beach party and the "itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny-yellow-polka-dot bikini." Photo: Classic Film/Flickr
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A magazine advertisement shows popular styles in 1967. Photo: Classic Film/Flickr
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In the 1980s, high-cut bottoms were everywhere, making it no coincidence that Brazilian waxes were introduced to the U.S. in 1987. Photo: Carlton Abas/Flickr 2000
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High-cut one piece swimsuits grew in popularity due to the popular show "Baywatch." The show ran in its original title and format from 1989 to 1999. Photo: NBC
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Olympic athlete Florence Griffith Joyner made sporty bathing suits popular in 1988. Photo: Tony Duffy/Getty Images
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Pageant models, like Miss Nicaragua 1999 (above), have historically showed off their tans and big hair in skimpy bikinis. Miss Universe Organization/Getty Images
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In 2002, Victoria's Secret swimwear was introduced. Victoria's Secret.
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In today's stores, you can find swimsuits made for a wide range of body shapes promoting body acceptance. Swim Suits For All.
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