In the 1920s, the beach became a central place for social life and fashion. Crowds flocked to coastal towns like Atlantic City and Santa Monica during the summer months. Families traveled by train or early automobiles to reach the sand. Boardwalks offered entertainment, snacks, and a place to walk in formal clothing before changing for the water.
Swimwear for both men and women was made of heavy wool. This material became very heavy and saggy when wet. Most suits were one-piece designs that covered the torso and parts of the legs. In 1921, Mack Sennett’s “bathing belles” showed off shorter and more form-fitting styles. These suits were often dark colors like navy blue or black. By the middle of the decade, women added colorful details like stripes or belts to their outfits.
Sun protection was handled with large accessories. Many women carried parasols made of silk or paper to shade their skin. These parasols often featured bright patterns or even hand-drawn designs. Large straw hats protected the face from the sun during long walks. In the water, rubberized bathing hats kept hair dry. These hats were tight-fitting and often matched the color of the swimsuit.
People used the beach for more than just swimming. Games like leapfrog were popular among young adults and children. Models and tourists often posed with large inflatable beach balls for photographs. Some people brought musical instruments like banjos to the shore to entertain their friends. Reading was a common way to pass the time under a large umbrella. Photographers frequently captured “bathing girls” applying makeup while sitting in the sand.
Beach censors enforced strict rules about how much skin could be shown. Officers used measuring tapes to check the length of swimsuits on public beaches. If a suit was too short, the wearer faced a fine or was told to leave. Despite these rules, the decade saw a shift toward more athletic behavior. Women participated in swimming races and diving competitions rather than just wading in the shallow water. Life on the sand was a mix of strict tradition and new freedom.
