Women's Swimwear: From Modesty to Free Choice
The evolution of women's swimwear and 2025 summer trends.
Over many years, women's swimwear has undergone major transformations. Like any other item of clothing, changes in women's swimwear have reflected shifts in society's attitudes toward modesty, gender norms, and health.
Looking at the evolution of women's swimwear, you can see that over time it became increasingly revealing and comfortable.
For more on the evolution of swimwear fashion and this summer's top trends, see this piece from DeTalks' special project on fashion and style.
First Steps: The Fashion for Sea Bathing in Europe
In Europe, sea bathing became a popular leisure activity only in the 18th century. And although at the time, swimming was thought to offer significant health benefits, being active in the water wasn't considered feminine enough. For bathing, women wore loose, open dresses resembling shirts, and to keep them from floating up in the water and preserve modesty, lead weights were sewn into them.
The Start of Change, and Annette Kellerman as Its Catalyst
In the early 1900s, women began taking up swimming as a sport, sparking a new wave of change. In 1907, for instance, Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman wore a swimsuit that bared her arms and legs, leading to her arrest for indecent exposure.
Kellerman has joked that there are two kinds of bathing suits — those meant for use in the water, and those suited only for use on land — adding that if you're going to swim, you should wear the water suit, but if you're just going to play on the beach and pose for your photographer friends, you can happily wear the land version instead, said Annette Kellerman.
The Birth of the Bikini: Convenience, Rationing, and the Film Industry's Influence
In the 1920s and 1930s, swimsuits became more form-fitting thanks to being made from wool or knit fabric, which allowed greater freedom of movement in the water. By the 1930s and 1940s, two-piece swimsuits had appeared. According to one theory, the trend toward far bolder beachwear emerged alongside the rise of cinema. World War II also forced the industry to economize on materials.
In 1946, French engineer Louis Réard introduced the modern bikini, named after Bikini Atoll. The original bikini turned out to be so revealing that the designer couldn't find a single model willing to wear it. At first, it was considered scandalous, but over time, it gradually gained acceptance, especially thanks to the influence of actresses like Brigitte Bardot and Ursula Andress.
The Freedom of Self-Expression
From the 1960s to the 1980s, new synthetic materials, like Lycra, transformed swimsuit design. They offered better elasticity and the ability to apply bold prints. The focus then shifted from modesty to style, and swimwear, in turn, became a form of self-expression.
Since then, swimwear has reflected fashion trends as well as society's mood and values: from modesty to sensuality, from functionality to individual expression.
2025 Summer Trends
Polka-dot swimsuits appear to be this year's hottest summer trend, since in recent weeks Gigi Hadid, Bethenny Frankel and Kylie Jenner have chosen exactly this print. They've worn various styles — from classic one-pieces to revealing bikinis.
Another summer trend is the already familiar tied triangle bikini, but this time with more interesting details: shimmery fabrics, crochet patterns, and accessories.
On top of that, this season's stylish choices include stripes, gingham, and animal prints, as well as pearlescent fabrics. As for accessories, a good choice would be a metal brooch or a flower-shaped one, and unique tan lines can be achieved with uniquely shaped swimsuits.
Women's swimwear and its journey from modest, uncomfortable dresses to the freedom to choose what feels comfortable reflect the evolution of society's values.
This shows that swimwear is more than just fashion. It's a powerful tool for self-expression, empowerment, and identity.