1. 1890s
During the late 19th century, people flocked to the oceanside — and while women's bathing suits were heavy and covered a lot of skin, this costume by Janice Louise Miller finds a beautiful balance between Victorian aesthetics and modern fashion.
2. 1900s
Most wouldn't find inspiration from the turn of the 20th century — bloomers, what are those? — but these women's bathers show off your smooth skin and are guaranteed to be the most vintage garment in your wardrobe.
3. 1920s
The Roaring Twenties weren't all about jazz, champagne, and flappers — there were wool bathing suits too. If you're lucky enough to find an original one-piece like this one, you'll definitely be the the cat's meow. Thank God for adjustable neck straps!
4. 1930s
Handmade with soft nylon, the Minnie Suit from the Bettie Sue Boutique is a darling one-piece with slimming style lines and a classic thirties-inspired bow in the center bust. And c'mon, that navy polka dot pattern just screams summer, doesn't it?
5. 1940s
The zipper took a few years to reach the modern bathing suit — everything was so much easier! Hidden in lovely red paneling, the zipper closes the back of this swim playsuit, while a drawstring in the bust sits under a lovely triangle pennant trim.
6. 1950s
The bikini finally emerged out of Paris in 1946, making it the must-have swimsuit of the following decade. Featuring high-waist shorts and a boned top, this pink and grey number is a timeworn classic — the perfect outfit to wear under an umbrella.
7. 1960s
Ah, the sixties: peace, love, and far-out swim dresses like this one! Groovy flower pattern aside, this open-back swimsuit from Catalina California is actually pretty functional with dual-button adjustable straps. Those colors though — outta sight!
8. 1970s
Brown usually isn't a go-to color for summer outfits, but this mocha-colored bathing suit from Rose Marie Reid looks exceptionally wonderful. Pair the swimsuit with giant sunglasses and a floppy sunhat, and you're ready to hit the beach — right on!
9. 1980s
The eighties wasn't all perms and Rubik's cubes. Take this black and white convertible swimsuit from Jantzen. Sure, you have your throwback pattern and high-cut thigh to show off your smooth bikini line, but the halter strap is removable too!
10. 1990s
You can lounge like it's 1994 again with this rad grunge-inspired one-piece. While it's faux layered at the top, this swimsuit is, like, authentic, man — how many plaid bathing suits have you seen with buttons? Perfect for an angsty day at the beach.