The History of Men's Swimsuits, 1910s-1960s

[Dinerman]

From Sears Catalog scans.

The 1910s.

1913


1914


1915


1916


1917


1918


1919

 

[Dinerman]

The 1920s

1920


1921


1922


1923


1924


1925


1926


1927


1928


1929

 

[Dinerman]

The 1930s

1930


1931


1932


1934


1935


1936


1937


1938


1939

 

[Dinerman]

The 1940s

1940


1941


1942


1943


1944


1946


1948



1949

 

[Dinerman]

The 1950s

1950


1951


1952


1953


1955



1956


1957


1958


1959

 

[Dinerman]

The 1960s

1960


1961


1962


1963


1964


1965


1966


1967


1968


1969

 

[Stearmen]

Thank you Dinerman for stoping before the advent of the Speedo!

 

[Two Types]

Thanks for posting this.

Barmey has a wonderful photo of himself in his latest purchase - a 1930s one piece swimsuit with fake belt and cutaway sides (which he promises he will be wearing on the beach this summer). I think we should all encourage him to post the photo on here. It will brighten up your day.

 

[esteban68]

Post that photo....you know you want to!

 

[Captain]

And now for the real question...where to get most of those now...

 

[Papperskatt]

And now for the real question...where to get most of those now...

I regularly see different models pop up on (mainly US) eBay. They usually don't get too expensive and I've considered to get one for a while now.

 

[Dinerman]

They show up pretty regularly. In good condition, the 1930s ones run between about $75 and $150. Anything newer and without a belt is significantly less.
http://vintagehaberdashers.com/category/swim/

 

[Barmey]

There ya go!

 

[Two Types]

That's the best photo I've seen posted on here for ages!

You know you said you'd make the alterations on my son's suit: If I show him this picture, he won't let you anywhere near his inside leg!!!

 

[simonc]

Great pic Alex, love it.

 

[Barmey]

That's the best photo I've seen posted on here for ages!

You know you said you'd make the alterations on my son's suit: If I show him this picture, he won't let you anywhere near his inside leg!!!

Hahahahha. I wont ask him what side he dresses on then...

 

[Dickie Teenie]

Stylin

 

[Benny Holiday]

Good on ya Barmey! Way better than a pair of big baggy board shorts and a rash shirt!

 

[Albert.Tatlock]

I Have three swimsuits from the 1930's I would never wear them to a public beach, retro events yes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u4BBhp4O8Y

 

[vintage.vendeuse]

Hahahahha. I wont ask him what side he dresses on then...

Is that what it's called, lol!