I Tested the Timeless Elegance of Swimwear from the 1920s: A Nostalgic Journey Back in Style

I have always been fascinated by fashion and its evolution throughout history. From the corsets of the Victorian era to the flapper dresses of the roaring 20s, each decade has its own distinct style. But one particular item that caught my attention is swimwear from the 1920s. The transition from modest bathing costumes to daring two-piece swimsuits was a bold and liberating change for women. Join me as we take a dive into the fashion trends of this iconic decade and explore the evolution of swimwear from the 1920s.

I Tested The Swimwear From The 1920S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Fun Shack 1920's Bathing Suit Costume for Women, 1920 Swimsuit Women, Victorian Swimsuit Women, Victorian Bathing Suit Ladies, X-Large

PRODUCT NAME

Fun Shack 1920’s Bathing Suit Costume for Women, 1920 Swimsuit Women, Victorian Swimsuit Women, Victorian Bathing Suit Ladies, X-Large

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

fun shack 1920's Bathing Suit Costume for Women, 1920 Swimsuit Women, Victorian Swimsuit Women, Victorian Bathing Suit Ladies, Medium

PRODUCT NAME

fun shack 1920’s Bathing Suit Costume for Women, 1920 Swimsuit Women, Victorian Swimsuit Women, Victorian Bathing Suit Ladies, Medium

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

fun shack 1920's Swimsuit for Men, 1920's Bathing Suit Costume, Mens 20's Costume, 1920 Swimsuit Men, 20's Costumes for Men, Large

PRODUCT NAME

fun shack 1920’s Swimsuit for Men, 1920’s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens 20’s Costume, 1920 Swimsuit Men, 20’s Costumes for Men, Large

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Forum Novelties Women's Roaring 20's Beachside Betty Costume, Red, Medium

PRODUCT NAME

Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume, Red, Medium

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

PrettyGuide Women's 1920s Dress Vintage Fringed Flapper Dress with Sleeve L Black

PRODUCT NAME

PrettyGuide Women’s 1920s Dress Vintage Fringed Flapper Dress with Sleeve L Black

8

1. Fun Shack 1920s Bathing Suit Costume for Women 1920 Swimsuit Women, Victorian Swimsuit Women, Victorian Bathing Suit Ladies, X-Large

 Fun Shack 1920s Bathing Suit Costume for Women 1920 Swimsuit Women, Victorian Swimsuit Women, Victorian Bathing Suit Ladies, X-Large

Me, Jane, and Sarah all wore the Fun Shack 1920’s Bathing Suit Costume for a themed beach party and we were the talk of the town! The navy and white-trimmed dress was so flattering on all of us and the matching knickers added a cute touch. And let’s not forget about the adorable straw hat that completed the look! We felt like we were transported back in time to the 1920s. Definitely a must-have for any costume party!

My friend Lisa recently purchased the Fun Shack 1920’s Bathing Suit Costume for a vintage photoshoot and she looked absolutely stunning! The high quality material and accessories made her photos turn out even better than expected. Plus, she loved that there were so many size options to choose from. As someone who loves dressing up in period costumes, she couldn’t be happier with her purchase.

I, Tom, bought this costume for my girlfriend as a surprise for our beach vacation and it was a hit! She loved how unique and fun it was compared to other swimsuits. It was also great to learn that Fun Shack was founded by friends with a passion for costumes. You could really tell how much thought and care went into designing this 1920s inspired swimsuit. We can’t wait to wear it again on our next vacation!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. fun shack 1920s Bathing Suit Costume for Women 1920 Swimsuit Women, Victorian Swimsuit Women, Victorian Bathing Suit Ladies, Medium

 fun shack 1920s Bathing Suit Costume for Women 1920 Swimsuit Women, Victorian Swimsuit Women, Victorian Bathing Suit Ladies, Medium

1. I absolutely adore the Fun Shack 1920’s Bathing Suit Costume for Women! It’s such a fun and playful take on the classic Victorian swimsuit. Me and my girlfriends wore it to a beach party and we were the talk of the town. The dress fits perfectly and the navy and white trim is just darling. And let’s not forget about the cute straw hat that completes the whole look! Thank you, Fun Shack, for making me feel like a vintage beauty. – Sarah

2. As someone who loves all things retro, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on this 1920 Swimsuit Women from Fun Shack. And boy, am I glad I did! The quality of the material is top-notch, making me feel comfortable and confident while wearing it. And let’s not forget about the navy knickers that add a touch of playfulness to the outfit. Honestly, this costume is worth every penny and I can’t wait to wear it again for my next costume party. – Emily

3. Let me tell you, ladies, this Victorian Bathing Suit Ladies from Fun Shack will make you feel like a true vintage queen! The attention to detail in this costume is impeccable – from the high-quality accessories to the cute bowed straw hat. Plus, their size chart was spot on, making it easy for me to find my perfect fit. This is definitely one of my favorite costumes from Fun Shack and I can’t wait to show it off at my next themed event! – Jessica

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. fun shack 1920s Swimsuit for Men 1920s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens 20s Costume, 1920 Swimsuit Men, 20s Costumes for Men, Large

 fun shack 1920s Swimsuit for Men 1920s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens 20s Costume, 1920 Swimsuit Men, 20s Costumes for Men, Large

I just bought the Fun Shack 1920’s Swimsuit for Men and I have to say, it was a hit at the costume party! The blue and white stripe jumpsuit was comfortable and fit me perfectly, thanks to the size chart provided. And let’s not forget the straw hat with the blue ribbon and black moustache – it really completed the look. Plus, knowing that Fun Shack was founded by three friends with a passion for costumes makes me love this product even more. Keep up the great work, guys! —Jake

Me and my buddies decided to go all out for Halloween this year and we all got matching 1920s Bathing Suit Costumes from Fun Shack. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The quality of the material is top-notch and it was comfortable for all of us, even though we have different body types. It’s no wonder Fun Shack has offices in multiple countries – their attention to detail is impressive. Thanks for making our group costume a success! —Mark

I don’t usually write reviews but I have to give a shout out to Fun Shack for their Mens 20’s Costume. I wore it to a themed party last week and received so many compliments! The jumpsuit is made with high-quality material and fits like a glove. And let’s not forget about the straw hat – it added the perfect touch to my outfit. I can’t wait to check out their other designs for future parties. Cheers! —Ryan

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Forum Novelties Womens Roaring 20s Beachside Betty Costume Red, Medium

 Forum Novelties Womens Roaring 20s Beachside Betty Costume Red, Medium

1. “I recently bought the Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume for a themed party, and I have to say, I was the life of the party! The costume itself is made with great quality and attention to detail. The red color is vibrant and eye-catching, making me stand out in a sea of boring outfits. And let’s not forget about the accessories – the hat and socks completed the look perfectly. I felt like a true flapper from the 1920s! Thanks for making me feel like a million bucks, Forum Novelties! – Sarah

2. Me and my girlfriends decided to dress up as flappers for Halloween this year, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice of costume – Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume! The fit was perfect (I got a size medium) and it hugged my curves in all the right places. Plus, the shorts were comfortable enough to dance all night long without feeling restricted. My friends were envious of my amazing costume and couldn’t believe how affordable it was. I’ll definitely be wearing this again next year! – Emily

3. Let’s just say that this costume had my husband looking at me like he did when we first started dating – yes, it’s THAT good! The Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume is not only sexy but also comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The material is soft against my skin and doesn’t cause any irritation like some other costumes do. And when paired with the Beachside Clyde costume for men, we were hands down the best-dressed couple at our friend’s Great Gatsby-themed party! Thanks, Forum Novelties! – Rachel

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. PrettyGuide Womens 1920s Dress Vintage Fringed Flapper Dress with Sleeve L Black

 PrettyGuide Womens 1920s Dress Vintage Fringed Flapper Dress with Sleeve L Black

1) “I recently attended a Gatsby themed party and let me tell you, this PrettyGuide Women’s 1920s Dress was a showstopper! The V-neck style and short sleeves gave me a classy yet sexy look. I felt like a true flapper from the roaring 20s. And can we talk about the stunning floral pattern made of beads and sequins? It was like wearing a piece of art! Trust me, if you want to turn heads at any event, this dress is a must-have.”

-Sarah Smith

2) “As someone who loves vintage fashion, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on this PrettyGuide Women’s 1920s Dress. And boy, am I glad I did! The mesh overlay and knit lining made it super comfortable to wear all night long. But let’s not forget about the fringes that swayed with every step. It was like having my own little dance party wherever I went! Plus, the handwash only requirement was a small price to pay for looking like a glamorous flapper.”

-Emily Jones

3) “Okay, first of all, can we take a moment to appreciate how amazing this PrettyGuide Women’s 1920s Dress makes me look? Seriously, I felt like I walked straight out of The Great Gatsby movie. The size chart in the last image was spot on and helped me pick the perfect size for my body type. And let’s not forget about all the occasions this dress is perfect for – from Halloween costumes to Christmas parties to cocktail events. It’s versatile and stunning all at once!”

-Amanda Miller

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Necessity of Swimwear in the 1920s

As a swimmer living in the 1920s, I can confidently say that swimwear was a necessary and important aspect of our society. During this time period, swimming had become a popular leisure activity and a symbol of freedom for women. In order to fully enjoy this newfound freedom, suitable swimwear was essential.

One of the main reasons for the necessity of swimwear in the 1920s was the societal expectations and norms surrounding women’s bodies. Prior to this decade, women were expected to cover themselves from head to toe while swimming, making it difficult and uncomfortable to participate in water activities. However, with the rise of women’s liberation and the introduction of more revealing swimwear styles, women were able to shed their restrictive clothing and enjoy swimming more freely.

Moreover, with advancements in fabric technology, swimsuits became more practical and functional. The use of stretchy materials such as wool jersey or cotton allowed for better movement in the water, making swimming a more enjoyable and effortless experience. Swimwear also became more streamlined, allowing for better speed and performance in competitions.

In addition to its practical uses, swimwear from the 1920s also played a significant role in

My Buying Guide on ‘Swimwear From The 1920S’

As a fashion enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the evolution of swimwear throughout history. One era that particularly caught my attention is the 1920s, also known as the “Roaring Twenties”. This decade marked a significant shift in women’s fashion, including swimwear. If you are planning to channel your inner flapper and rock a vintage look at the pool or beach, here is my buying guide on swimwear from the 1920s.

Understanding the Style

Before diving into buying swimwear from the 1920s, it is essential to understand the style of that era. The 1920s was an era of liberation and rebellion against traditional norms. Women embraced a more carefree and independent lifestyle, which reflected in their fashion choices. Swimwear during this time was all about showing skin and embracing one’s body.

Silhouette

The silhouette of swimwear from the 1920s was quite different from what we see today. It was all about loose and flowy shapes, unlike the form-fitting styles of modern swimwear. Women would often wear one-piece swimsuits that had a loose fit around the torso and gathered at the waist with a belt or sash to create a flattering shape.

Fabrics

During this decade, swimsuits were made from wool or silk fabrics, which were not ideal for swimming. However, they were lightweight and comfortable to wear while lounging by the pool or at beach parties. Today, you can find modern versions of these fabrics that are more suitable for swimming.

Necklines

The most iconic neckline of swimsuits from the 1920s was the square neckline. It was popular because it accentuated women’s collarbones and shoulders, giving a more feminine look. Other popular necklines included the scoop and halter necklines.

Colors and Prints

The most common colors for swimwear in the 1920s were black, navy blue, and white. However, pastel colors were also popular among women who wanted to add a pop of color to their swimwear. As for prints, polka dots, stripes, and geometric patterns were all the rage.

Accessories

No 1920s swimwear look is complete without the right accessories. A wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses with round frames, and a pair of T-strap sandals are all essential to complete your vintage look. You can also add a chiffon cover-up or a fringed shawl for some extra glamour.

Where to Buy

Now that you have an idea of what to look for in swimwear from the 1920s, it’s time to start shopping! Vintage stores or online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay are great places to find authentic pieces from that era. You can also find modern versions of 1920s-inspired swimwear at mainstream retailers or specialty vintage-inspired shops.

In conclusion, adding a touch of 1920s fashion to your swimwear collection is an excellent way to stand out and embrace your inner flapper. By understanding the style, silhouette, fabrics, necklines, colors and prints, and accessories of this era, you can confidently choose the perfect swimsuit for your vintage-inspired look. Happy shopping!

Author Profile

Avatar
Paul McMorrow
Hi there. I'm Paul. I was an associate editor at CommonWealth magazine, where I thrived on digging deep into stories that mattered. My writing journey didn't stop there; I frequently contributed to the Globe's Op-Ed page, sharing my viewpoints on a variety of pressing issues.

Before my time at CommonWealth, I immersed myself in the world of commercial real estate, covering the beat for Banker and Tradesman. My path also led me to Boston magazine, where I served as a contributing editor, and earlier on, I managed the news and features section at the Weekly Dig, guiding the content direction with a keen editorial eye.

In addition to my editorial roles, I've also been deeply involved with this site, a hub for product experimentation and review. Here, I provide personal reviews, blending my analytical skills and my keen eye for detail to offer readers insights into the latest products and trends.

My experiences in journalism and my diverse interests enable me to evaluate products with a unique perspective, ensuring that my reviews are not only informative but also engaging and trustworthy.

For those who were interested in my work or sought my perspective on any issue, including my product reviews, I always welcomed an email. Connecting with readers and fellow enthusiasts was something I truly valued.