The History of Women's Swimwear

Women's swim suits have always been at the fore front of modern contemporary fashion. In a constant state of metamorphosis as it changes according to the values of passing eras. First introduced more as a cover-up for those daring enough to expose themselves to a quick dip in the water, the bathing suit is now a palette of colors and fabrics for everyone from the competitive swimmer to the consumate sun bather. There has been no end to the changing forms and functions and meanings of the bathing suit. As you look through this collection of historical films from the British Pathé archive it will become clear that never before has so much, been the attention of so many, based on so little material.

: Eve In The Swim (1932); Wonderful film about the change in size of women's swimsuits - they just get smaller and smaller!; British Pathé

: Camera Interviews - Mrs Arthur Hamilton The Swimmer (1922); Fetching swimsuits are modelled by Mrs Arthur Hamilton who hopes to swim the channel.; British Pathé

: The Seaside Eves; Fun at the beach - swimwear is modelled, women fish from a pier, diving and swimming.; British Pathé

: A New Bathing Note - For Eve (1929); Novel beach outfit - tabard and skirt are removed to reveal a swimsuit underneath.; British Pathé

: Bathing Costumes Issue Title - Very Tasteful Very Neat (1940); Mannequins model the latest in bathing costumes.; British Pathé

: The Great Secret; Great film illustrating how light a woman's clothes are compared to a man's clothes.; British Pathé

: Bathing Costumes (1936); Nice bathing costumes fashion show.; British Pathé

: Bathing Fashions AKA Paris Bathing Fashions (1951); The latest woven latex swimsuits in Paris; British Pathé

: Swim Caps (1957); Punch hosts swimming caps fashion show. Great show, fantastic designs - wrong audience!; British Pathé

: Swimmer (1951); Footage of new swimsuits fashions being displayed. Portland Street, London.; British Pathé

: Beachwear (1953); Glamorous British models show off the latest in swimsuit fashions at the Astor Club.; British Pathé

: American Swim Suit Fashions (1951); Ladies readjusting dresses for a different style, different style swim suits.; British Pathé

: Glamour In The Sun (1946); Latest in swimsuit fashions - designed by Martin White.; British Pathé

: 1965 Swimwear Fashions In America (1964); Swimwear fashions for women in California using a net type of fabric.; British Pathé

: Body Paint (1967); A girl swims in the Serpentine, then has paint daubed over her flesh by a boy in a floral shirt.; British Pathé