The evolution of women’s swimwear: From bikinis to rashie dresses

Swimwear has come a long way from its early days of modesty-focused designs to the contemporary, confidence-boosting pieces we see today. The journey of women’s swimwear is a fascinating reflection of changing societal norms, advancements in fabric technology, and the growing emphasis on comfort, style, and sun protection.

At Es Una, we’re proud to be part of this ongoing evolution, crafting swimwear that empowers women to enjoy every sun-soaked moment with confidence. Let’s take a look back at the evolution of women’s swimwear and how we arrived at today’s modern, versatile designs like the rash vest.

Early beginnings: The modest start

In the 1800s, women’s swimwear was a far cry from the sleek, stylish pieces we see today. Swimwear was designed more for modesty than functionality, with women donning heavy, ankle-length dresses made from wool or flannel. These ‘bathing costumes’ were often accompanied by bloomers or pantalettes and weighed down with weights sewn into the hems to prevent the fabric from floating up in the water. Swimming was more about dipping one's toes than actual swimming, and the focus was on covering up as much as possible.

The notion of swimwear as something both functional and fashionable didn’t take hold until much later, but these early garments set the stage for the gradual shift towards more practical designs.

The 1920s: A new era of freedom

The 1920s marked a turning point in women’s swimwear, with the emergence of more form-fitting designs that allowed for greater movement and freedom in the water. The ‘flapper’ era brought about a sense of liberation in fashion, and swimwear was no exception. Women began to wear shorter, sleeveless swimsuits made from lighter fabrics like cotton and jersey. These swimsuits often featured lower necklines and higher hemlines, allowing women to swim more comfortably and enjoy their time at the beach.

This decade also saw the introduction of the first one-piece swimsuits, which offered a more streamlined silhouette. The shift towards more functional swimwear was accompanied by a growing interest in sunbathing, as women began to embrace the idea of a suntan as a symbol of health and leisure.

The 1940s: The birth of the bikini

The bikini, perhaps the most iconic swimwear innovation, made its debut in the 1940s. Designed by French engineer Louis Réard and named after the Bikini Atoll, where nuclear tests were conducted, the bikini was initially met with shock and controversy. It was considered daring and even scandalous for its time, as it revealed much more skin than any previous swimwear design.

Despite the initial backlash, the bikini quickly gained popularity, particularly after Hollywood starlets like Brigitte Bardot and Marilyn Monroe were photographed wearing them. The bikini represented a bold statement of body confidence and became a symbol of the changing attitudes towards women’s fashion and body image.

The 1960s-70s: Swimwear as fashion

The 1960s and 1970s saw swimwear evolve into a true fashion statement. With the rise of the youth culture and the sexual revolution, swimwear designs became more diverse and experimental. Bikinis were now available in a variety of styles, from string bikinis to bandeaus, and were often adorned with bold patterns, bright colours, and playful details.

This era also introduced the monokini, a topless swimsuit designed by Rudi Gernreich, which pushed the boundaries of swimwear even further. Although the monokini was more of a fashion statement than a practical swimwear option, it highlighted the growing influence of swimwear in the world of fashion.

The emphasis during this period was on personal expression and individuality, with swimwear reflecting the broader cultural shifts towards freedom and self-confidence.

The 1980s-90s: Sporty and functional

The 1980s and 1990s brought a renewed focus on fitness and health, which was reflected in swimwear trends. Athletic-inspired designs became popular, with high-cut legs, racerback styles, and sporty one-pieces taking centre stage. Brands like Speedo and Nike dominated the swimwear market, offering functional, performance-oriented swimsuits that were ideal for both competitive swimmers and beachgoers alike.

This period also saw the rise of the tankini, a two-piece swimsuit with a tank top and bikini bottom, offering more coverage and versatility. The tankini became a popular choice for women seeking a balance between style and practicality.

The emphasis on fitness and functionality paved the way for swimwear that was not only fashionable but also designed to support an active lifestyle.

The 2000s-present: The rise of rashie dresses and sun-safe swimwear

Are we going backwards in that swimwear these days is covering women up again? Or are we attuned to the environment and the health hazards of too much sun exposure?

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of sun protection, leading to the rise of rashie dresses (or rashies) and other sun-safe swimwear options. Originally designed for surfers to protect their skin from irritation caused by surfboards, rashie dresses have become a popular choice for anyone seeking additional coverage and UV protection at the beach.

Today’s rashie dresses are a far cry from the utilitarian designs of the past. They are available in a wide range of styles, colours, and patterns, making them a fashionable and functional choice for women of all ages. With UPF50+ fabrics, modern rashie dresses provide excellent protection against the sun’s harmful rays, allowing women to enjoy extended time outdoors without compromising their skin’s health.

At Es Una, we’re proud to be part of this evolution, offering rashie dresses and swimwear that combine style, comfort, and sun protection. Our designs are crafted with inclusivity and sustainability in mind, using recycled materials to create swimwear that not only looks good but also does good.

Embracing confidence, comfort, and style

The evolution of women’s swimwear reflects a broader journey towards greater confidence, comfort, and self-expression. From the modest bathing costumes of the 1800s to today’s versatile rashie dresses, swimwear has continually adapted to meet the changing needs and desires of women.

At Es Una, our mission is to craft swimwear that empowers women to feel confident and comfortable, no matter their body type or activity level. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, swimming in the ocean, or enjoying a day of water sports, our swimwear is designed to support you every step of the way.

Discover the future of swimwear with Es Una

As swimwear continues to evolve, we’re committed to leading the way with innovative designs that prioritise your well-being and the health of our planet. Explore our collection of rashie dresses and discover how Es Una can help you enjoy every sun-soaked moment with confidence, comfort, and style.

Because at Es Una, we don’t just design swimwear—we craft confidence.