Beachwear for women history with high waisted bathing suits

Since 1920s, the majority of bathing suits have been designed for beachwear for women rather than swimming. Between the 1920s and the 1940s, bathing suits were made of knitted fabrics, usually wool jersey. The first rib-knit elasticated one-piece swimsuits for women was produced in the USA by the Jantzen Company in the 1920s. Designers such as Chanel were instrumental in promoting high waisted bathing suits and Jean Patau introduced bathing suits with cubist inspired designs.

Within a decade, fabrics gained elasticity and exhibitionism of all kinds - particularly from movie stars- set in. Medical approval of the sun and trends in fitness became modest nudity.

The maillot was the classic one-piece knitted, or jersey, swimsuits without skirt, form-fitting and usually backless. Sometimes it had detachable straps that could be tied around the neck or buttoned to the back of the suit.

During the 1940s, high waisted bathing suits could hardly be considered essential items of clothing. The classic swimsuits for women of the time was known as the dressmaker's suit: it was made from knitted or woven fabric, styled with a skirt, and sometimes shirred across the back with elastic thread. The invention of fast-drying lightweight fabrics helped to popularize swimming. The late 1940s saw swimwear style in aqua satin, with all-over ruched backs, gathering down the centre front and halter-neck ties.

In the 1950s, the high waisted bathing suits or costume became known as swimsuits for women. With the revolt against austerity, women tried to find styles that would enhance their femininity. It was the era of constructed or sculptured suits which emphasized the bust and minimized the waist, echoing the foundation garments of the time: swimsuits for women were often boned and corseted. Two of the most popular styles of the time were the star daisy romper and the shirred panel suit. Fabrics began to riot with colours and prints. Inspiration came from the cinema, starting with halter styles and ending with strapless. Marilyn Monroe exploited the high waisted bathing suits as 'an essential weapon in her promotion.'