A Photo Evolution Of The Bikini

Precursor To The Bikini

During the 20's and 30's, women's fashion took a risqué turn as necklines plunged in the back, sleeves shrank away, and sides were cut away to reveal the female figure. This upturn in fashion also hit swim wear because women were chasing the crazy new fad of tanning started by the one and only Coco Chanel, after she returned accidentally bronzed from a vacation in the French Riviera.

Tanning, something that had never before been seen as beautiful, became utterly in vogue and with new materials like latex and nylon, the swimsuit was modified to hug the body and have lower shoulder straps to make tanning easier. Women also used the excuse of war rationing during the First World War to justify their shrinking suits. From this time on, two-piece swimsuits were frequent on American beaches with Hollywood stars like Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth, and Lana Turner all sporting and furthering the trend.