Swimwear has an interesting history. The swimming costume, or bathing suit, was first used in the mid 1800’s. Prior to that ladies would have worn long gowns which billowed out and there was a period when nothing was worn, especially with men where it was the standard way of bathing until it was banned.
Victorian bathing suits are rare but there are pictures and photographs which show the fashion. Many were made of woolen fabrics.
Originally, swimming costumes were made to cover the figure but as time went by bathing suits became less restrictive and clung more to the body.
Below are some examples and price guides of swimwear throughout the years including a Victorian swimming costume and some costumes from the 1940s.
A rare Victorian swimming costume with striped pattern.
Sold for £80 at Hannam’s Auctioneers Ltd in 2017
SILK AND COTTON BATHING SUIT AND OVERDRESS TWO-PIECE ENSEMBLE AND SHOES, black and cream colored, one-piece swimming or beach bathing suit having sleeveless, bloomer styled suit with V-neckline and stripped cuffs, bloused, wide gored seat expands at the hips, snaps and hook and eye closures, with overdress/coverup having wide striped collar and sleeves, snaps and bold mother-of-pearl button closures, original matching high-top bathing shoes having upper linen foundation, covered with matching black and cream colored striped fabric, soft soles with heavyweight woven cotton covering, original laces with steel tips and rivets. Circa 1900.
Sold for US$500 at Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates in 2018
THREE WOOL BATHING COSTUMES, ENGLAND, 1920s
1 navy knit w/ cream borders & applied soutache, unstretched B 33″, W 31″, L 32″, (holes to inseams & left H, minor discoloration, trim detaching) good; 1 teal w/ white & teal diamond motif on skirt, label “Meridian Interlock” & “British Make”, unstretched B 35″, W 30″, L 32″, (discoloration, 5″ light stain below left B, 2 repairs at W) good; 1 black w/ drop W skit in pale blue & white stripe, label “Meridian Interlock” & “British Make Pat No. 20409/08 Extended to 28.8.28″, unstretched B 29″, W 26″, L 34”, (skirt discolored) excellent.
Sold for US$550 at Augusta Auctions in 2022
1930’s red wool stretch knit swim suit with navy blue detail, over shoulder straps that tie in center of back, slight stain at gusset
Sold for US$80 at Denise Ryan Auctions in 2020
TIANA PITTELLE BATHING SUIT, HONOLULU, LATE 1940s
Printed cotton bathing suit c/o bandeau top & high waisted shorts w/ red cotton trim & halter necktie, shell embellished & kapok stuffed mermaid motif to shorts, label “Tiana Pittelle Fashion, Originator Waikiki, Honolulu”, bikini top B up to 54″, Wd1.75″-7″, shorts W 27″, L 14″, inseam 2.25″, (light wear to edges, bones beginning to wear through interior, 0.75″ partially repaired hole right front leg, 0.25″ hole inseam, few clusters of tiny spot stain) good.
Sold for US$325 at Augusta Auctions in 2022
