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Mens Swimwear History Guide

Mens Swimwear History Guide

Want to find our more about Mens Swimwear History? Just as women's swimsuits have undergone remarkable changes throughout the decades, men's swimwear also experienced quite a transformation since men have found it prudent and fashionable to wear something when taking a bath or when swimming. For the most part of human history, men bathed au naturel. Today, however, it is quite rare to see someone on their birthday suit when taking a bath or swimming in a public place, unless you're at a traditional Japanese onsen.

Mens Swimwear History through the years

During the 1880s, styles of men's swimwear were rather shabby. They also resembled traditional undergarments instead of being a separate article of clothing in their own right. Fortunately, more thought were put into their designs and improvements were made to make them look more fashionable. The first swimsuits were made using knitted wool. They were also stretchable and capable of absorbing less water The use of man-made materials became more popular with the arrival of the 20th century. In the 1910s and early 1920s, tank suits were popular among many male swimmers. These tank suits reached all the way down to the elbow and below the knees of a swimmer. Also, more often than not, they came in solid colours. In the 1920s, the beach has become a favourite destination back in those days, you cannot return from the beach without sporting a tan. As a result, manufacturers started creating swimsuits that put more emphasis on men's body and athleticism. Although most men's swimsuits are still in one piece, the previously long sleeves were replaced by more generously cut armholes. During the post-war years came the swimsuits we are more familiar with. Because of the fabric shortage created by World War II, men's swimwear adopted shorter styles. Boxer-style trunks became popular up until the 1950s. In the 1960s, Australia's very own brand Speedo made a worldwide debut. Since then, men's swimming trunks become shorter than ever. Short and skimpy trunks became out of fashion as loosely-fitting board shorts become more popular in the 1990s. This coincided with the popularity of surfing as a sport.

The Modern Mens Swimwear

Today, the modern men's swimwear comes in many forms. From the ever popular men's swim trunks to the boxer-style swimwear, you can choose from a wide range of style options and materials depending on your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.