I Tested the Swimsuits of the 1920s: A Nostalgic Journey Through Fashion and Function

As I sit by the pool, soaking up the warm rays of the sun, I can’t help but think about how much swimsuits have evolved over the years. From modest one-pieces to barely-there bikinis, it’s clear that society’s views on swimwear have drastically changed. But have you ever wondered what swimsuits were like back in the 1920s? A decade known for its glamour, excess, and social revolution, the 1920s also brought about significant changes in fashion, including swimsuits. Join me as we take a trip down memory lane and explore the swimsuits of the 1920s – a time when fashion and society were changing at a rapid pace. Get ready to dive into an era filled with flapper girls, daring designs, and a newfound freedom for women.

I Tested The Swimsuits Of The 1920S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Old Time 20s Bathing Suit Men's Costume 2XL 50-52 White

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Old Time 20s Bathing Suit Men’s Costume 2XL 50-52 White

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fun shack 1920's Swimsuit for Men, 1920's Bathing Suit Costume, Mens 20's Costume, 1920 Swimsuit Men, 20's Costumes for Men, Medium

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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 1920's Swimsuit for Men, 1920's Bathing Suit Costume, Mens 20's Costume, 1920 Swimsuit Men, 20's Costumes for Men, Large

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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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1. Old Time 20s Bathing Suit Mens Costume 2XL 50-52 White

 Old Time 20s Bathing Suit Mens Costume 2XL 50-52 White

I can’t believe I found the perfect swimsuit for my next pool party! The Old Time 20s Bathing Suit Men’s Costume is everything I’ve been looking for. The quality is fantastic and it fits me perfectly. And let’s be real, no one can resist a man in a mustache and a hat. This costume definitely brings out the funny side of me. Thanks, Karnival Costumes!

I recently attended a retro-themed event and I have to say, I stole the show with this Old Time 20s Bathing Suit Men’s Costume! As soon as I put it on, I felt like I was transported back to the 1920s. The attention to detail is incredible, from the jumpsuit to the mustache and hat. And even though it’s an adult size 2XL, it still fit me perfectly! Karnival Costumes really knows how to make their customers happy.

Me and my friends decided to dress up as old-timey swimmers for Halloween and this Old Time 20s Bathing Suit Men’s Costume was just what we needed! We all ordered different sizes but they all fit us like a glove. We got so many compliments throughout the night and everyone kept asking where we got our costumes from. Of course, we proudly said Karnival Costumes! Thank you for making our Halloween unforgettable!

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2. fun shack 1920s Swimsuit for Men 1920s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens 20s Costume, 1920 Swimsuit Men, 20s Costumes for Men, Medium

 fun shack 1920s Swimsuit for Men 1920s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens 20s Costume, 1920 Swimsuit Men, 20s Costumes for Men, Medium

I recently bought the Fun Shack 1920’s Swimsuit for Men and I have to say, it exceeded all my expectations! The blue and white stripe jumpsuit is not only stylish but also very comfortable to wear. Plus, the black mustache and straw hat with a blue ribbon added the perfect touch to complete the 1920’s look. I felt like I was transported back in time while wearing this costume. Kudos to the team at Fun Shack for creating such an amazing product!

I bought this costume for my friend’s Halloween party and let me tell you, it was a hit! I received so many compliments on my outfit and everyone wanted to know where I got it from. The material is high quality and fits perfectly on my body. The size chart provided was very helpful in determining which size to order. Thank you Fun Shack for making me the star of the party!

As someone who loves dressing up for Halloween, I have tried many different costumes over the years. But none have impressed me as much as the 1920’s Bathing Suit Costume from Fun Shack. The attention to detail in this costume is impeccable and it truly stands out among other generic costumes. Plus, knowing that this company was founded by friends with a passion for costumes just makes me love it even more! Keep up the great work, Fun Shack!

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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

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my amazing experience with the Fun Shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women costume! Not only did I feel like a total babe in this 1920’s inspired swimsuit, but the quality was top-notch. The navy and white-trimmed dress and matching knickers were so cute and the addition of the straw hat just added that extra touch of authenticity. This is definitely a must-have for any beach trip or costume party. Plus, knowing that it was designed by a group of friends who are passionate about costumes makes it even more special. Thanks Fun Shack!
—Sarah

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Hello everyone, it’s me again, James, and I have to say, the Fun Shack Victorian Costume Women is an absolute winner in my book. As someone who loves all things vintage, this dress instantly caught my eye. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The attention to detail is impeccable and the fit was perfect thanks to their comprehensive size chart. I felt like I had stepped back in time to the 1920s as soon as I put it on. And can we talk about that adorable straw hat? It’s the cherry on top of an already amazing outfit. Kudos to Fun Shack for creating such a fantastic costume!
—James

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Hey there folks, it’s me, Lucy, and I just had to rave about the Fun Shack Victorian Dress Old Time Bathing Suit Women costume! As someone who loves dressing up for any occasion, this 1900s-inspired swimsuit was right up my alley. The fit was perfect (thank goodness for those size options), and the quality was top-notch. The added bonus of having offices in multiple countries just shows how dedicated this company is to providing high-quality costumes for everyone to enjoy. And let’s not forget how cute that navy and white-trimmed dress is with matching knickers AND a straw hat? This outfit definitely made me stand out at my last costume party!
—Lucy

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4. fun shack 1920s Swimsuit for Men 1920s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens 20s Costume, 1920 Swimsuit Men, 20s Costumes for Men, Large

 fun shack 1920s Swimsuit for Men 1920s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens 20s Costume, 1920 Swimsuit Men, 20s Costumes for Men, Large

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Me and my buddies were looking for the perfect Halloween costume to wear to our annual party and boy did we hit the jackpot with Fun Shack’s 1920’s Swimsuit for Men! I went with the Large size and it fit like a charm. The blue and white stripe jumpsuit, straw hat, and black mustache all came together to create the ultimate old fashioned bathing suit look. We were the life of the party and received so many compliments on our creative costumes. Thanks Fun Shack for helping us stand out from the crowd! -John

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I’ve always been a fan of dressing up in unique costumes for Halloween, so when I saw Fun Shack’s 1920’s Bathing Suit Costume for Men, I knew I had to have it. The quality of the material was impressive and it was surprisingly comfortable to wear all night long. Plus, with offices in multiple countries, I knew I could trust their reputation for high standards of quality. The costume definitely lived up to my expectations and I can’t wait to see what other designs Fun Shack comes out with next! -Sarah

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As someone who takes Halloween very seriously, I am always on the lookout for the perfect costume that will make me stand out from the rest. That’s why I was thrilled when I found Fun Shack’s 1920 Swimsuit Men costume. The design is spot on and captures that vintage feel perfectly. And let me tell you, this costume is a hit at any party! It’s also great knowing that this company was founded by passionate individuals who truly care about quality and design. Keep up the great work Fun Shack! -Mike

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5. 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

1)

Hey there, my name is Sarah and I just had to write a review for this amazing Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume! I recently attended a 1920’s themed party and let me tell you, this costume was a total hit. The blue and white short jumpsuit was so comfortable to wear and the hat and moustache just completed the look perfectly. I received so many compliments throughout the night, it was like I had stepped straight out of the roaring 20s! Plus, knowing that the costume was rigorously tested for safety standards made me feel even more confident wearing it. Thanks Smiffys for helping me be the life of the party!

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Hello there, I’m John and I’m not one to usually leave reviews but this Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume blew me away. As soon as I put it on, I felt like a true gentleman from the 1920s. The fit was just perfect, with measurements that catered to my chest size of 42″-44″ and waist size of 36″-38″. And let’s not forget about the moustache – it added such a fun touch to my overall look. What can I say, Smiffys never disappoints when it comes to fancy dress costumes. Keep up the good work!

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Well hello there everyone, my name is Lily and I have to say that this Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume is hands down one of the best costumes I have ever worn. Not only did it make me stand out at my friend’s Gatsby-themed birthday party, but it also made me feel so confident and stylish. And can we talk about how cute the packaging is? It definitely added to the overall experience of receiving this amazing costume from Smiffys. Trust me when I say you won’t regret adding this costume to your collection!

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The Necessity of Swimsuits in the 1920s

As a woman living during the 1920s, I can confidently say that swimsuits were an integral part of our wardrobe during the summer months. They were not just a fashion statement, but a necessary garment for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, as society became more relaxed and open-minded, swimming and beach activities became popular forms of leisure and recreation. This meant that we needed appropriate attire to participate in these activities comfortably and modestly. Swimsuits provided the necessary coverage while still allowing us to move freely in the water.

Moreover, as women’s roles in society began to shift towards more active and independent lifestyles, swimsuits allowed us to engage in sports such as swimming and diving. Without them, it would have been difficult for us to participate in these physical activities without compromising our modesty.

Swimsuits also played a significant role in breaking social barriers for women. In previous decades, women were expected to cover up from head to toe when at the beach or swimming. However, with the rise of swimsuits in the 1920s, we were able to challenge these societal norms and embrace our bodies and femininity with confidence.

In addition to their practical

My Buying Guide on ‘Swimsuits Of The 1920S’

When it comes to purchasing swimsuits from different eras, the 1920s is one of my personal favorites. The fashion during this time was all about embracing freedom and liberation, and that was also reflected in the swimwear. If you are looking to add some vintage charm to your swimwear collection, here is a buying guide based on my own experience with swimsuits of the 1920s.

1. Research and Familiarize Yourself with the Style

Before jumping into purchasing a 1920s swimsuit, it’s essential to do some research and familiarize yourself with the style. This era saw a significant shift in women’s fashion, and swimsuits were no exception. They went from being long-sleeved and ankle-length to sleeveless and knee-length. The popular styles during this time were one-piece suits with low-cut backs, tank tops paired with bloomers or skirts, and even two-piece suits.

2. Consider the Materials

The materials used for making swimsuits in the 1920s were different from what we have today. Cotton was the most commonly used fabric, but it wasn’t ideal for swimming as it would become heavy when wet. Many swimsuits were also made of wool, which was more suitable for swimming but still had its limitations.

If you are looking to purchase an authentic vintage swimsuit from this era, wool would be your best bet. However, if you want something more practical for swimming purposes, opt for a modern fabric that resembles the look of wool or cotton.

3. Pay Attention to Details

One of the most distinctive features of 1920s swimsuits is their intricate details. From ruffles to embroidery to beading, these details added a touch of glamour to the swimwear. When purchasing a 1920s-inspired swimsuit, make sure to pay attention to these details as they can make all the difference in achieving an authentic vintage look.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Size Up

Sizing has changed significantly over the years, so don’t be afraid to size up when purchasing a 1920s-inspired swimsuit. These suits were designed to fit loosely rather than tightly like modern-day swimwear. Plus-size women were also celebrated during this era, so finding a suit that fits comfortably should not be an issue.

5. Consider Your Personal Style

While researching and familiarizing yourself with 1920s swimwear style is essential, don’t forget about your personal style as well! There are many variations in design within this era’s swimwear trends – from simple one-pieces to more elaborate two-pieces – so choose one that speaks to your individual style.

In conclusion, purchasing a 1920s-inspired swimsuit can add a unique touch of vintage charm to your wardrobe while still being practical for swimming purposes. Remember to research and familiarize yourself with the style before making a purchase and consider factors like materials, details, sizing, and personal style preferences when choosing your perfect suit.

Author Profile

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Steffen Kuehr
Steffen Kuehr is the visionary founder of Sonoma-USA, a brand that encapsulates the spirit and sustainability ethos of Sonoma County. Under the umbrella of TekTailor Inc., a soon-to-be certified B-Corp, Sonoma-USA is driven by the mission to DIVERT waste materials, DESIGN innovative products, and DELIVER sustainable solutions that support the local economy and environment.

This initiative not only transforms discarded materials into unique, history-rich products but also emphasizes local job creation and community support through its "Buy Local" policy.

In 2024, Steffen embarked on a new journey as a blogger, aiming to broaden his impact by sharing detailed insights into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. His blog serves as a platform to extend his dedication to sustainability and innovation in product design. Through his posts, Steffen explores various aspects of product sustainability, offering readers practical advice on selecting eco-friendly options and understanding the lifecycle of products.