Could They Swim in Those Suits?

SWIM OR FLOUNDER? A 19th century swimsuit shown at an exhibit at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney on July 1, 2009. (Greg Wood/AFP/Getty Images)

As we explore the new swimsuit styles this year, we might be surprised to realize how much styles and social mores have changed in our culture over the past 200 years.

The old-fashioned style of swimsuits from the 19th century carefully covered a woman’s body from her neck to below her knees. Contrast that style with the sleek, water-slicing designs of today and you might feel that women in the water these days have a better chance of surviving the waves.

But on the other hand, the English and American gentlewomen of the 1800s valued fair skin and protected themselves from the sun even when they weren’t swimming. And in those swimsuits, they did not have to worry about damage to their skin from sun exposure.

Some modern designers are combining the best features of both. On the runways, you can see sleek suits paired with elegant and efficient cover-ups. Beach-goers and pool enthusiasts can enjoy a swim and then don a chic cover-up to protect them from the sun.