Vintage Mens Swimsuits and Swimwear

We are a part of eBay Affiliate Network, and if you make a purchase through the links on our site we earn affiliate commission.
In 1896, swimming became an official sport of the first modern Olympics, even though the swimwear of that era seemed designed to slow swimmers down. Common woolen swimsuits, or bathing costumes, as they were called, were thick and heavy, making...
Continue reading
In 1896, swimming became an official sport of the first modern Olympics, even though the swimwear of that era seemed designed to slow swimmers down. Common woolen swimsuits, or bathing costumes, as they were called, were thick and heavy, making it difficult to maneuver in the water. At the time, both men and women were legally required to be fully covered from neck to knees when on a public beach. White or skin-colored fabrics were also forbidden because they revealed too much of the human anatomy. In 1917, the American Association of Park Superintendents published its official “Bathing Suit Regulations," which required men’s suits to have a skirt that covered the shorts. For women of the era, stockings were still a customary part of the female bathing suit. These strict rules began changing in the 1920s, as evolving social norms allowed men and women to spend time together near the water, and show a bit more flesh, thus propelling swimming as a leisure activity. The sport’s physical requirements provided the perfect justification for slimmer bathing suits made from lighter materials. Actor and Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller’s 1929 portrayal of "Tarzan," for which he wore only a loincloth, made it more acceptable for men to swim shirtless, although it was still illegal in public places. During the '20s, men's swimsuits of jersey, silk, and rayon (advertised as “artificial silk”) first entered the marketplace, while major companies like Jantzen got their start in swimwear. Jantzen began as a small knitwear producer in Portland, Oregon, but after a special design for rowing trunks became a hit, the brand started experimenting with swimwear. The company's first wool bathing suits for men were bulky and uncomfortable, weighing up to nine pounds when wet. However, the company soon pioneered a stitch that created a body-hugging fit that didn't sag when wet, and in 1927, Jantzen adopted the advertising slogan, “The suit that changed bathing to...
Continue reading

Best of the Web

The Black Tie Guide
Peter Marshall became an authority on formalwear out of necessity — he needed a tux to wear on...
Fashion Columbia Study Collection
The Fashion Columbia Study Collection (FCSC) is the digital home of the Columbia College...
Most Watched

Best of the Web

The Black Tie Guide
Peter Marshall became an authority on formalwear out of necessity — he needed a tux to wear on...
Fashion Columbia Study Collection
The Fashion Columbia Study Collection (FCSC) is the digital home of the Columbia College...