One-piece swimsuit

History

The modern one-piece swimsuit appeared in the mid-1900s, described as a maillot. Its acceptance is attributed to Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman, who claimed she was arrested on a Boston beach in 1907 for indecent exposure because her suit showed arms, legs, and neck. The arrest, though not corroborated by anyone but Kellerman, prompted public outrage that aided acceptance. Kellerman marketed these suits, known as 'the Annette Kellerman'.

By 1910, the style was accepted in parts of Europe and was authorized for women's swimming at the 1912 Summer Olympics. Harper's Bazaar praised the Kellerman swimsuit in 1920 and 1921 for its fit and beauty.

In the United States, beauty pageants in bathing costumes became popular from the 1880s but were not considered respectable until the first modern Miss America contest in 1921. Nevertheless, the Annette Kellerman was considered offensive by some in the 1920s and faced censorship; in 1943, pictures of it were used as evidence of indecency in Esquire v. Walker.

During the 1920s and 1930s, swimsuit designs shifted from function to decoration as people focused on sunbathing. Rayon was used in the 1920s, but its wet durability was problematic; jersey and silk were also used.

Types and variations

The most common type is the maillot or tank suit, resembling a sleeveless leotard. Variants include halterneck, plunge front, wrap-round, bandeau, and pretzel styles. Athletic swimsuits have introduced racerback, fastback, and flyback shoulder straps. The bodyskin, covering the entire torso, arms, and legs, reduces friction for professional swimmers using textured technical fabrics.