Man’s Swimsuit

The early twentieth century was a transformative period for swimwear. Largely inspired by a need for functionality and safety in the water, garments transitioned from baggy clothing that covered arms and legs to fitted knitwear. Today, it is hard to believe that men and women entered the water wearing what were essentially wool sweaters. But wool, with its residual lanolin, or natural wax, was more impervious to water damage than cotton. Topless swim trunks for men would not gain acceptance until the 1930s.