Definition of bathing suit

The origins of the term "bathing suit" can be traced back to the late 19th century, during a time when Victorian society placed strict rules and taboos on public nudity and decency. As a result, people began exploring ways to cover themselves while swimming or bathing in public, as completing daily tasks in the buff was highly frowned upon. The initial version of the bathing suit was a long and heavy piece of clothing, resembling a woolen dress, tight at the waist and long-sleeved. It wasn't until the 1920s, with the rise of beach culture and interest in taking holidays abroad, that women started wearing more revealing two-piece swimwear. And it was Jantzen, an American swimwear manufacturer, who created the first properly-cut swimsuit in 1913. The term "bathing suit" itself is a combination of two earlier phrases, "bathing" and "swim suit." Bathing was originally a noun, which meant "the act of washing oneself." While swimsuit has an obvious connection to the now-popular swimming costume. The term "bathing suits" gained popularity in the 1920s, as swimwear designers began experimenting with more feminine and attractive silhouettes meant to show off a woman's figure. Thus, the bathing suit started transforming into an item of fashion rather than a modest necessity. The development of new materials such as nylon and Lycra allowed even more body-hugging and flattering designs. Overall, the term "bathing suit" has gone through several changes over the years, mirroring cultural attitudes toward personal privacy, bodily display and societal values. Its evolution represents how the idea of getting naked in public has shifted from practicality to self-expression, and ultimately, it became a fashion statement that resonated throughout the world.