Swimwear, Society and Women’s Rights

The evolution of women's swimwear reflects broader societal changes in women's rights, shifting from modest bathing gowns in the 18th century to practical one-piece suits by the 1920s. Women faced barriers to public swimming due to segregation and strict modesty norms. Annette Kellerman defied these restrictions by wearing a one-piece swimsuit, challenging conventions. Her 1907 arrest on a Boston beach for donning a form-fitting suit helped pave the way for more practical and accessible swimwear.

Women's swimwear has evolved as a symbol of broader societal shifts toward body positivity and personal expression. The mid-20th-century acceptance of the bikini, which reflected changing attitudes toward women's freedom and their self-expression. This evolution continued with the achievement of gender equality in Olympic swimming events by the 1976 Games, when men and women competed in an equal number of events.