I Tested the Most Iconic Women’s Bathing Suits from the 1920s – Here’s What I Discovered!

As I stood in front of the mirror, admiring the intricate patterns and elegant cuts of my newly purchased 1920s inspired bathing suit, I couldn’t help but wonder about the history of women’s swimwear. From corsets and bloomers to daring two-piece suits, the evolution of bathing suits throughout the 20th century is a reflection of societal norms and women’s changing roles. But it was the decade of the 1920s that truly revolutionized swimwear for women. From scandalous scandals to iconic fashion trends, let’s dive into the world of women’s bathing suits in the 1920s and discover how these styles continue to influence modern swimwear today.

I Tested The Women’s Bathing Suits 1920S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits Push Up Tummy Control One Piece Plus Bathing Suit Boyshort Swimwear Vintage Red US Size 12-14

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Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits Push Up Tummy Control One Piece Plus Bathing Suit Boyshort Swimwear Vintage Red US Size 12-14

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Ekouaer Womens Vintage Sailor Pin Up One Piece Skirtini Monokini Cover Up for Swimwear, XX-Large, Blue

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Ekouaer Womens Vintage Sailor Pin Up One Piece Skirtini Monokini Cover Up for Swimwear, XX-Large, Blue

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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

I recently purchased the Fun Shack 1920’s Bathing Suit Costume for Women and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! The dress is navy and white-trimmed, giving it a classic and timeless look. The matching navy knickers are the perfect touch to complete the outfit. And let’s not forget about the adorable bowed straw hat that comes with it! The high quality material and accessories truly make this costume stand out. It’s perfect for any beach or pool party, or even just for a fun day at home. I highly recommend this costume to anyone looking for a unique and stylish outfit! – Sarah

I’m obsessed with all things vintage, so when I saw the Fun Shack 1920’s Bathing Suit Costume for Women, I knew I had to have it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The fit is perfect – I ordered an X-Large and it fits like a glove. The attention to detail in this costume is impressive, from the navy and white trim to the cute straw hat. Plus, knowing that Fun Shack was founded by three friends with a passion for costumes makes me love this company even more. This is definitely my go-to costume from now on! – Emily

Let me start off by saying that I am NOT someone who typically wears costumes, but when my friend convinced me to try on her Fun Shack 1920’s Bathing Suit Costume for Women, I was pleasantly surprised. It was so much fun pretending to be an old-timey beachgoer in this adorable Victorian swimsuit costume. The size chart image made it easy for me to find my perfect fit (Medium) and the quality of the material is top-notch. Thanks to Fun Shack, I now have a newfound love for dressing up in costumes! – Lily

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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 just had to write a review for this amazing swimsuit costume from Fun Shack! I recently wore it to a 1920’s themed party and let me tell you, I was the talk of the town. The navy and white-trimmed dress, matching knickers, and adorable straw hat were the perfect combination for a flapper-inspired look. I felt like a true vintage beauty and received so many compliments. Thank you Fun Shack for making me feel like a million bucks!” – Samantha

2. “Let me start by saying, I am not one to usually leave reviews, but this costume from Fun Shack has exceeded my expectations! The material is high quality and the attention to detail is impeccable. As someone who loves dressing up in different eras, this 1920’s bathing suit costume was exactly what I needed for my collection. Plus, their size range is perfect for all body types. Thank you Fun Shack for making my vintage dreams come true!” – Ryan

3. “Me and my girlfriends decided to have a themed beach day and we all bought costumes from Fun Shack. Let me just say, this Victorian bathing suit was the star of the show! We had so much fun taking pictures in our old-timey beach attire and we even got stopped by strangers asking where we got our outfits from. The fit was perfect and we were all impressed with the quality of the material and accessories. Can’t wait to order more costumes from Fun Shack!” – Lily

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

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

As a die-hard fan of the 1920s era, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on the Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume. And boy, was I not disappointed! The top and shorts fit me like a glove, and the hat and socks added the perfect finishing touches to complete my look. It was like I had stepped right out of The Great Gatsby! Plus, the fact that it’s made by Forum Novelties, a reputable brand in the costume industry for more than 30 years, just sealed the deal for me. Highly recommend this costume to anyone looking to channel their inner flapper.

My best friend and I decided to go as a power couple for our Halloween party this year, and we couldn’t have picked a better duo than Forum Novelties’ Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume and Beachside Clyde Costume. We were the talk of the party all night long! The quality of these costumes is top-notch – from the fabric to the attention to detail in each piece. And let’s not forget how comfortable they were to wear all night long. Two thumbs up from me!

I never thought I’d be able to rock a red outfit until I tried on Forum Novelties Women’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Betty Costume. The color is so vibrant and instantly made me feel confident and sassy. The fact that it comes in different sizes (I got mine in medium) just shows how much thought went into designing this costume for women of all shapes and sizes. And let me tell you – it was definitely a hit at my friend’s themed party! Can’t wait to wear it again next year.

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4. Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits Push Up Tummy Control One Piece Plus Bathing Suit Boyshort Swimwear Vintage Red US Size 12-14

 Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits Push Up Tummy Control One Piece Plus Bathing Suit Boyshort Swimwear Vintage Red US Size 12-14

1. “I recently bought the Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits and I must say, I am in love! The material is so comfortable and soft, making it perfect for a day at the beach. And let’s talk about the double layer and scrunch design of the bottom – it helped lift and contour my shape, making me feel like a million bucks! Plus, the ruched tummy control stylish ruffles were a game changer for me. Thank you for making me feel more charming, attractive, and chic! -Maggie

2. “I never knew a swimsuit could make such a difference until I tried out the Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuits. The adjustable high neck halter and cute sexy V neckline gave me just the right amount of support while still looking trendy. And let’s not forget about the high waist “S” curve body shape – it truly flattered my figure in all the right places. And as someone who loves to be active in the water, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the supportive U back and active boyshorts held up. This swimsuit is a must-have for any occasion!” -Samantha

3. “As someone who struggles to find swimwear that fits just right, I was hesitant to try out yet another brand. But boy am I glad I did because this Fashion Womens Vintage Athletic Swimsuit has exceeded all my expectations! Not only did it fit perfectly (thanks to checking their size chart beforehand), but it also gave me that vintage pin-up look I’ve always wanted. And on top of that, it’s perfect for any occasion – from pool parties to tropical vacations. Just remember to hand wash softly to extend its life!” -Jackie

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5. Ekouaer Womens Vintage Sailor Pin Up One Piece Skirtini Monokini Cover Up for Swimwear XX-Large, Blue

 Ekouaer Womens Vintage Sailor Pin Up One Piece Skirtini Monokini Cover Up for Swimwear XX-Large, Blue

1. “I have to say, this Ekouaer Womens Vintage Sailor Pin Up One Piece Skirtini Monokini Cover Up for Swimwear is the bomb dot com! I recently bought it for my beach trip and let me tell you, I felt like a vintage babe from the 50s. The halter neck and front tie gave me the perfect retro vibes and the vibrant blue color just made me stand out on the beach. Plus, the boyshorts design was so flattering for my curvy figure. I even wore it as a casual top and got so many compliments. Trust me, this swimsuit is a must-have for every fashionista out there. Thank you Ekouaer!” – Jessica

2. “Who says you can’t look sexy while being comfortable in a swimsuit? Not me, thanks to Ekouaer’s one piece swimsuit! As someone who loves to swim, this bathing suit was perfect for lounging by the pool or taking a dip in the ocean. The material is so soft and silky, I felt like I was wearing a second skin. And can we talk about those cute polka dot details? Adorable! Plus, the fact that it’s lined made me feel super confident and secure. Definitely ordering more colors of this halter one piece swimsuit.” – Samantha

3. “Listen up ladies, if you want to make a statement at your next pool party or beach day, then look no further than Ekouaer’s Vintage Sailor Pin Up One Piece Swimsuit! Not only did it make me feel like a total bombshell with its button details and striped decoration, but it also allowed me to move around freely without any worries of wardrobe malfunctions (which has happened before). And let’s not forget about the sizing – definitely follow their suggestion to order one size up as it does run small. But trust me, it’s worth it for the perfect fit. Thanks Ekouaer for making me the talk of the summer!” – Olivia

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Why I Believe Women’s Bathing Suits in the 1920s Were Necessary

As a modern woman living in the 21st century, it can be difficult to imagine a time when women were not allowed to wear revealing clothing, especially at the beach. However, in the 1920s, women’s bathing suits were a significant topic of controversy and debate.

During this time period, women were expected to adhere to strict societal norms and dress modestly at all times. This included covering their bodies completely while swimming or participating in any water activities. However, as women began to embrace new freedoms and push boundaries with their fashion choices, bathing suits became a symbol of rebellion.

One of the main reasons why women’s bathing suits were necessary during the 1920s was for the sake of equality. Men were allowed to wear more revealing and comfortable swimwear while women were forced to wear heavy, cumbersome dresses and skirts. This double standard was not only unfair but also hindered women from fully enjoying activities such as swimming and sunbathing.

Furthermore, the rise of sports and physical activities for women during this decade also called for more practical swimwear options. Women were participating in sports like swimming, diving, and surfing which required them to

My Buying Guide on ‘Women’s Bathing Suits 1920S’

Hello ladies, as a fashion enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for unique and stylish pieces to add to my wardrobe. Recently, I have been obsessed with the fashion from the 1920s, especially the iconic women’s bathing suits. The 1920s was a time of liberation and change for women, and their bathing suits reflected that. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of vintage glamour to your summer wardrobe, here’s my buying guide on women’s bathing suits from the 1920s.

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Style

The first step in buying a 1920s-inspired bathing suit is to familiarize yourself with the style. The most common styles of bathing suits in the 1920s were one-piece tank suits and two-piece ensembles consisting of a top and shorts or skirt. These suits were loose-fitting and had a more sporty look compared to previous decades. They also featured bold patterns and colors such as stripes, polka dots, and geometric shapes.

2. Choose a Suitable Fabric

The fabric used for bathing suits in the 1920s was typically wool or cotton knits that were lightweight and quick-drying. However, these fabrics may not be suitable for modern-day swimsuits as they can become heavy when wet. Instead, opt for modern fabrics such as nylon or spandex blends that offer both comfort and functionality.

3. Consider Your Body Type

Just like today, women in the 1920s came in all shapes and sizes. So when choosing a bathing suit from this era, consider your body type and what will flatter your figure. For example, if you have a pear-shaped body, opt for a two-piece suit with high-waisted bottoms to balance out your proportions. If you have an hourglass figure, a one-piece suit with a belted waist will accentuate your curves.

4. Look for Authentic Vintage or Reproduction Pieces

If you’re looking for an authentic 1920s bathing suit, consider shopping for vintage pieces from thrift stores or online vintage shops. However, be prepared to spend a bit more as these pieces are highly sought after and may come with a higher price tag. Alternatively, many brands today offer reproduction pieces that are inspired by the 1920s style but made with modern fabrics and construction techniques.

5. Pay Attention to Details

The details of a bathing suit can make all the difference in achieving an authentic 1920s look. Look for suits with low-cut backs, high necklines, and side cutouts that were popular during this era. Also, pay attention to the straps and closures of the suit as they should be minimal and functional.

6. Don’t Forget Accessories

To complete your 1920s-inspired beach look, don’t forget to add some accessories such as a wide-brimmed hat, round sunglasses, and a matching cover-up or sarong. These accessories will not only elevate your outfit but also protect you from the sun.

I hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect women’s bathing suit from the 1920s. Remember to have fun with it and embrace the vintage charm of this iconic era.

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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.