Swimwear changed significantly during the 1920s. In 1921, Mack Sennett’s bathing belles modeled shorter, more athletic suits on public beaches. These models often posed in groups to show off the latest designs for the camera. By 1922, props became a common part of these photo shoots. Models sat on large inflatable beach balls or posed under oversized parasols to create a leisure-focused image.
Materials used for swimwear varied based on whether the wearer intended to enter the water. Wool was the most common fabric for actual swimming because it held its shape when wet. However, fashion-focused suits used more expensive and delicate fabrics. In 1928, actress Ann Evors wore a top made of satin and latex paired with a skirt made of fishnet. Other models wore vivid, striped taffeta ensembles that were designed strictly for walking on the sand. Daring beach suits from late in the decade featured bold patterns that stood out against the white sand and were not intended for the ocean.
Accessories were essential for a complete 1920s beach look. Large straw hats protected the skin from the sun, while rubberized bathing hats kept hair dry. Some models wore sailor hats to match striped nautical themes. In 1923, one model even posed with a banjo to show that beach life was about entertainment and music. Parasols were also popular for sun protection in England and America. At Palm Beach in 1925, a model decorated her parasol with a hand-drawn crossword puzzle design to match the popular gaming trend of that year.
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Location played a major role in swimwear modeling. In London, models often used rooftops instead of actual beaches to showcase new items. In April 1928, models displayed brightly colored wraps and rubberized bathing hats on the roof of a store on Oxford Street. They posed beside giant beach balls to show that the clothing was functional for rooftop sunbathing. In Florida, the “new look” involved running trunks, which Lillian Steele modeled in 1925. Across the ocean in August 1926, women modeled the latest styles on the beach at Deauville.
The 1920s also saw the arrival of “bathing girls” who focused on their appearance while near the water. In 1925, photographers captured models applying makeup while sitting on the beach in England. This shift showed that swimwear was becoming a major part of the beauty industry. Actresses like Joan Blondell frequently modeled on the beach to promote the latest trends. These photos reached a wide audience through postcards and fashion magazines.
