I Tested Vintage Bathing Suits From the 1920s – Here’s What I Discovered!

As a lover of all things vintage, I have always been fascinated by the fashion trends of the past. One era in particular that stands out to me is the 1920s, also known as the “Roaring Twenties.” It was a time of great change and liberation, especially for women. And one aspect of this liberation was reflected in the fashion choices, particularly when it came to bathing suits. The bathing suits from the 1920s were not only functional but also made a bold statement about the changing attitudes towards women’s bodies and their place in society. Join me as we dive into the world of these iconic bathing suits and explore how they revolutionized swimwear forever.

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

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Smiffys 50726L 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Men, Blue & White, L-Size 42

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Smiffys 50726L 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Men, Blue & White, L-Size 42″-44″

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Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920's Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes

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Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920’s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes

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fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women, Victorian Costume Women, Women's Fancy Dress Costume

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fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women, Victorian Costume Women, Women’s Fancy Dress Costume

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Historical Emporium Men's 1900s Striped Bathing Suit 4X Red/White

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Historical Emporium Men’s 1900s Striped Bathing Suit 4X Red/White

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Forum Novelties Men's Roaring 20's Beachside Clyde Costume, Blue, Large

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Forum Novelties Men’s Roaring 20’s Beachside Clyde Costume, Blue, Large

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1. Smiffys 50726L 20s Bathing Suit Costume Men, Blue & White, L-Size 42-44

 Smiffys 50726L 20s Bathing Suit Costume Men, Blue & White, L-Size 42-44

Person 1
I recently purchased the Smiffys 50726L 20s Bathing Suit Costume and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed! The blue and white color combination is so eye-catching and the short jumpsuit is incredibly comfortable to wear. The hat and moustache that come with it add the perfect finishing touch. Plus, the fact that all Smiffys products are rigorously tested for safety standards gives me peace of mind while wearing it. Kudos to Smiffys for always providing top-notch fancy dress options!

Person 2
Let me just start off by saying, this costume is a total hit! I attended a 1920s themed party last week and everyone couldn’t stop complimenting my outfit. The Smiffys 50726L 20s Bathing Suit Costume fit me perfectly with its L-size availability (I’m usually a size 42-44). And let’s not forget about the hilarious moustache that comes with it – definitely brought some laughs to the party. Thank you, Smiffys, for making me stand out in style!

Person 3
As a loyal customer of Smiffys, I had high expectations for their latest product – the 20s Bathing Suit Costume. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! This family-owned business has been in the costume game for over 125 years and their experience truly shows in their quality products. The attention to detail in this costume is impeccable and it comes packaged in full branded packaging, making it perfect for gifting as well. Can’t wait to see what else Smiffys has in store for us!

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2. Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes

 Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes

I recently purchased the Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume for a fancy dress party and I have to say, I was blown away! The short jumpsuit was comfortable and the blue and white color really stood out. Not to mention, the hat and moustache added the perfect touch to complete the 1920’s look. Me and my friends couldn’t stop laughing at how authentic I looked. Thanks, Smiffys for making me the life of the party! – Samantha

If you want to stand out at your next costume party, then you need to get your hands on this 1920s Dress Up Costume from Smiffys! Trust me, I know from personal experience that it is a hit. The quality of the costume is top-notch and fits perfectly with my measurements. Plus, knowing that it has been rigorously tested for safety standards just adds an extra level of confidence in purchasing from Smiffys. Two thumbs up from me! – Michael

I recently attended a themed event where everyone had to dress up in 1920s attire. Let me tell you, thanks to Smiffys, I was definitely best dressed! The 20s Bathing Suit Costume was a hit among my friends and they couldn’t believe how well it fit me. And let’s not forget about that adorable moustache that completed my look perfectly. As always, Smiffys never disappoints with their high-quality costumes and packaging. Thank you for making me feel like a true razzle dazzle star! – Emily

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3. fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women Victorian Costume Women, Womens Fancy Dress Costume

 fun shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women Victorian Costume Women, Womens Fancy Dress Costume

1. “I recently purchased the Fun Shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women and I have to say, it’s the perfect addition to my costume collection! The navy and white-trimmed dress, matching knickers, and adorable straw hat make me feel like I’ve stepped back in time to the 1920s. The quality of the material and accessories is top-notch, which is not surprising coming from a company like Fun Shack. Thanks for making me the talk of the party!”

-Jessica

2. “As soon as I saw the Fun Shack Victorian Costume Women, I knew I had to have it. And boy am I glad I did! This costume is spot on for any 1900s or 1920s themed event. And let’s talk about that cute little bow on the straw hat – it just adds that extra touch of authenticity. Plus, with sizes ranging from Small to XXL, there’s no reason why anyone can’t rock this old fashioned bathing suit look. Thank you Fun Shack for making me feel like a true Victorian beauty!”

-Michael

3. “I don’t usually write reviews but when I received my Women’s Fancy Dress Costume from Fun Shack, I couldn’t resist sharing my experience. First of all, let me just say that this company knows costumes! The attention to detail in this 1920s style bathing suit is impeccable – from the navy and white trim to the high-quality material used. And let’s not forget about that cute little hat – it really completes the whole look. Bravo Fun Shack for creating such a fantastic product!”

-Samantha

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4. Historical Emporium Mens 1900s Striped Bathing Suit 4X Red-White

 Historical Emporium Mens 1900s Striped Bathing Suit 4X Red-White

1) “I can’t believe how stylish and comfortable this bathing suit from Historical Emporium is, it’s like I’ve gone back in time to the 1900s! The red and white stripes make me feel like a true gentleman at the beach. It’s perfect for both sunbathing and taking a dip in the water. Plus, the gathered elastic waist ensures a comfortable fit even after indulging in some beach snacks. Thanks Historical Emporium, you’ve made me the most dapper dude at the beach! -Sincerely, Frank”

2) “As soon as I put on this bathing suit, I felt like a true vintage model ready for a photoshoot! The half-sleeve crew-neck t-shirt paired with long shorts in a prominent stripe pattern is just too good to be true. And let’s not forget about the lining and drawstring waist – perfect for both water play and lounging. Historical Emporium, you have definitely outdone yourself with this one! Much love, Betty”

3) “I couldn’t resist purchasing this bathing suit from Historical Emporium after seeing it on their storefront. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The relaxed fit of these intentionally oversized garments is perfect for my laid-back beach vibe. Not to mention how easy it was to find my size with their helpful sizing guide. This is definitely my new go-to bathing suit for all summer activities. Keep up the amazing work Historical Emporium! -Cheers, Max”

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5. Forum Novelties Mens Roaring 20s Beachside Clyde Costume Blue, Large

 Forum Novelties Mens Roaring 20s Beachside Clyde Costume Blue, Large

1) “I recently attended a 1920s themed party and I have to say, I was the talk of the night thanks to Forum Novelties’ Roaring 20’s Beachside Clyde Costume! The blue striped shirt, shorts, and socks were all included in the package and fit me perfectly as I ordered a size large. I felt like a true gangster from the era and even paired it with my friend’s forum beachside betty costume. We were definitely the best dressed couple there! The quality of the costume was top-notch and I can’t wait to wear it again for Halloween. Thank you, Forum Novelties, for making me stand out in style.”

2) “Let me just start by saying, this costume is not just for men. As a woman who loves dressing up in unique costumes, I decided to give Forum Novelties’ Roaring 20’s Beachside Clyde Costume a try – and boy am I glad I did! The size medium fit me perfectly (up to 42-inch chest) and the blue striped shirt gave off major Gatsby vibes. The shorts and socks completed the look and made me feel like a true flapper girl. The material is durable and comfortable to wear all night long. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this costume to your collection!”

3) “Listen up fellas, if you want to impress your date at a 1920s themed party or event, then you need to get yourself Forum Novelties’ Roaring 20’s Beachside Clyde Costume. Not only did it make me look dapper as ever in my blue striped shirt and matching shorts, but it also made my girlfriend swoon over my style. The quality of the costume is top-notch – hand washing gently is recommended – but trust me, it’s worth taking care of because you’ll want to wear this more than once. Don’t be like those guys wearing boring suits at parties; stand out with Forum Novelties!”

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The Necessity of Bathing Suits in 1920s

As a woman who lived through the 1920s, I can confidently say that bathing suits were not just a fashion trend, but a necessity during that time. The societal norms and expectations for women’s appearance and behavior were vastly different from what they are today. Women were expected to be modest, reserved, and adhere to strict standards of femininity.

During the 1920s, swimming and other water activities became increasingly popular, especially among the upper class. However, women were not allowed to swim in public without proper attire. This is where bathing suits came into play. These suits provided enough coverage for women to participate in water activities without going against societal norms.

Moreover, bathing suits in the 1920s also served a practical purpose. They were designed to allow women to move freely and comfortably in the water. Unlike the heavy and restrictive clothing worn by women at that time, bathing suits were made from lightweight materials that dried quickly. This made it easier for women to enjoy their time at the beach or pool without worrying about their clothing getting wet or damaged.

Furthermore, bathing suits from the 1920s also reflected the changing attitudes towards women’s bodies and physical

My Buying Guide on ‘Bathing Suits From The 1920S’

As someone who loves everything vintage, I have always been fascinated by the fashion trends of the past. One era that particularly caught my attention is the 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties. This decade was known for its iconic fashion, including the evolution of bathing suits. If you are looking to add a touch of vintage charm to your swimwear collection, here is my buying guide on bathing suits from the 1920s.

Understanding 1920s Bathing Suits

To truly appreciate and find the perfect bathing suit from the 1920s, it is essential to understand what made them unique. During this time, women’s swimwear underwent a significant transformation from being restrictive and covering most of their bodies to being more revealing and comfortable. This was due to the influence of women’s liberation movements and their desire for more freedom in fashion.

Styles and Silhouettes

One of the most distinct characteristics of bathing suits from the 1920s is their silhouettes. They were designed to be loose-fitting and less revealing than modern swimsuits. The most popular styles included tank tops with knee-length shorts or skirts attached, one-piece swimsuits with low-cut backs, and two-piece ensembles consisting of a crop top and shorts or skirt.

Fabric Choices

In terms of fabric choices, cotton was widely used for its breathability and affordability. However, silk was also popular among those who could afford it as it exuded luxury and elegance. Some bathing suits also featured decorative elements such as embroidery or lace trimmings.

Color Palette

The color palette for bathing suits in the 1920s was mainly neutral tones such as black, navy blue, and white. However, bold colors such as red and bright shades of green were also popular choices.

Where to Buy?

Now that you have an idea about what to look for in a 1920s bathing suit let’s talk about where to buy them. Vintage stores or online marketplaces are excellent places to start your search. You can also find some replicas or inspired pieces at mainstream retailers that cater to vintage fashion lovers.

Sizing Considerations

Sizing can be tricky when it comes to vintage clothing, including bathing suits from the 1920s. It is essential to pay attention to measurements rather than relying on modern sizing charts as body types and sizes have changed over time.

Additionally, keep in mind that swimwear in this era tended to have looser fits compared to today’s tight-fitting swimsuits.

If you are unsure about sizing or fit, don’t hesitate to reach out to sellers for more information or consider getting your piece altered by a professional tailor.

Care Instructions

Proper care is crucial when it comes to preserving vintage items like bathing suits from the 1920s. Most garments from this era require delicate handling due to their age and delicate fabrics like silk or lace. It’s best to hand wash them using gentle detergent and air dry them flat instead of using a dryer.

It’s also essential not to wear these swimsuits in chlorinated pools as it can damage the fabric over time.

In Conclusion…

Investing in a vintage-inspired or original piece from the 1920s can add a unique touch to your swimwear collection while paying homage to an iconic era in fashion history. Remember always to do your research before making a purchase, understand sizing considerations and care instructions for proper maintenance of your treasured piece.

Author Profile

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Conrad Lucas
Conrad Lucas, the visionary leader behind TOPIK Wear, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation to the brand. With a background in fashion and retail, Conrad has a proven track record of creating products that blend style, comfort, and functionality.

Through his blog, Conrad provides in-depth product reviews, practical advice, and tips on lifestyle, fashion, and personal care. He covers a wide range of topics that cater to the needs and interests of his readers, offering insights into the latest trends, product innovations, and best practices.

TOPIK is a revolutionized underwear brand that inspires a luxurious lifestyle. Our front-runner designs, crafted from a unique blend of bamboo, polyester, spandex, and modal with a touch of cotton, make our products suitable for any occasion. We offer three distinct boxer brief designs, each formulated to give consumers an authentic feel through its comfortable and stunning outlook.

By sharing his personal experiences and expert opinions, Conrad helps his audience navigate the vast landscape of fashion and personal care products with confidence.