By Condé Nast Archive
By Laird Borrelli-Persson
Cover: Hot Weather Holidays (1940-07-01/1940-07-01) by Toni FrissellCondé Nast Archive
The Vogue woman has always been active; not an observer, but a doer—and sometimes a sportswoman as well. Long before professional female athletes, such as Marion Jones, became cover stars, bicyclists, ice skaters, equestriennes, and—as early as the 1890s—swimmers have fronted the magazine’s issues. (Bather might be a better description of the well-covered lady on the July 27, 1899, edition braving the cold waters, but let’s just run with swimmer.)
1940s
Trying on bathing suits can be a stressful experience in real life, but no anxiety attends the bathing beauties in the magazine, of which there are many types—with the exception of pinups. Swimsuit stories, like bathing suits themselves, have, of course, changed with the times.
Some of the best photographs from the 1940s, for example, are relatively uncluttered, and focused largely on suit styles.
Model in Imports International Bathing Suit, Vogue (1957-05-01) by Roger PrigentCondé Nast Archive
1950s
In the following decade, many images have a sort of posh, private-pool air, and the models look rather polished (it’s difficult to imagine these dames getting their coifs wet).
Models in Cole of California, Vogue (1956-01-01) by Horst P. HorstCondé Nast Archive
Models in Emme Swimming Caps, Vogue (1957-06-01) by Richard RutledgeCondé Nast Archive
1960s
Although the bikini predates Brigitte Bardot’s appearance in one in Cannes in 1953, she’ll ever be associated with this teeny-weeny type of swimwear, which really came into its own in the 1960s.
1970s
Unsurprisingly, when photographers weren’t focusing on the athleticism of beach-romping models in the louche seventies, things got a bit steamy—and that was before the thong started trending.
Margaux Hemingway in a White Maillot, Vogue (1975-04-01) by Francesco ScavulloCondé Nast Archive
Patti Hansen (1976-01-01) by Arthur ElgortCondé Nast Archive
Carre Otis in a Giorgio di Sant'Angelo Bathing Suit, Vogue (1989-02-01) by Arthur ElgortCondé Nast Archive
1980s
As an interest in exercise grew, so did the presentation of healthy women’s bodies—pillars of strength, as it were.
Gisele Bundchen in a Prada Shirt-Jacket and Speedo Swim Trunks, Vogue (1999-04-01) by Arthur ElgortCondé Nast Archive
1990s
Though often skimpy, suits are increasingly made in tech fabrics that optimize performance without sacrificing chic. Less, as it’s said, is often more.
Kristen McMenamy in a White Dress, Vogue (1996-09-01) by Arthur ElgortCondé Nast Archive
Gisele Bundchen in a Louis Vuitton Bikini, Vogue (1999-04-01) by Arthur ElgortCondé Nast Archive
