According to records, Greece introduced the first swimsuits to women in about 350 BC. These were very similar to the modern day bikini and were designed to cover key areas of a woman’s body. Although it is believed that advanced technology and design has taken us to where we are today, in fact, today’s fashions have taken a step back in time. As a result, designers such as Paula Hermanny of Vix swimwear and others are now making swim suits to fit individual body types rather than hope that consumers fit the suits.

It’s amazing how fashions change to reflect societal trends. The teen swimwear industry is a prime example of this where suits have gone from bikinis to smocks and back to bikinis again. Originally they were designed to cover key areas of a woman’s body. Later, however, they were designed to cover the entire female form, but in recent years the desire to show more skin came back into vogue. One of the biggest changes in recent years is the trend towards skimpier suits, but even this has changed.

Once the Romans began taking over more of the world, the Grecian trend to swim and enjoy the water went out of vogue. Instead, water activities were used solely for the purpose of physical therapy. It was reintroduced as a leisure activity in the 18th century in England and France when smocks were used as bathing costumes. Unfortunately, lead weights had to be added to hemlines in order to keep skirts from floating which was dangerous. The major change in suit design, however, began in America in the 1800s when masses hit the beaches and seaports in order to enjoy leisure water sports.

Because of the advancement of water sports an alteration had to be made in swimming attire. While ensuring modesty of each individual, it had to be practical and allow for movement as well. When the 19th century rolled around the inclusion of women in water sports, particularly swimming, was an accepted thing. This was encouraged when they were included in the Olympic Games.

The fashion industry accepted swimwear as a viable part of their attire around the 1880′s. Designer suits came into vogue and the first one-piece suit was introduced. This suit included a wrap around skirt to ensure modesty. By the 20th century, the suits became more daring with more skin exposed, but they were still presented in a one-piece style. Eventually, two piece suits came along that left the stomach area exposed.

As the industry evolved, swimwear became sexier and skimpier, but was driven by the image of the ideal body type as seen in magazines and other forms of media. Efforts of women to change their body type in order to fit the suits available met with little success. This left many women with few choices resulting in feelings of despondency.

In 1998 designers like Hermanny began to understand that making women fit the product was wrong. As a result, they changed their strategy to look at the fact that women’s figure unique and different garments are needed to enhance assets while detracting from features one would rather not put on display. Comfort and fit have now become the mantra in the designer world and they recommend women try on various styles and sizes in order to find the one that is best suited to the individual body type.

From 350BC to today is a long ways but, to prove that fashions never go out of style, the bikini bathing suit is once again a fashion statement on today’s beaches. This type of suit can be found in the Vix swimwear collection as well as those of other designers. Currently, it is possible to find a swimsuits that is comfortable, fits well and compliment’s one’s figure. Shopping for a bathing suit is now a pleasure with the many choices available.

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