The History of Swimwear
Swimwear has not always been used, with early swimmers doing so entirely unclothed for some considerable time. It wasn't until 1737 that there was anything official to state that swimwear should be worn, and not until 1860 that it actually became law. Since that time, men's swimwear has taken on varying shapes and styles over the ages, to become the plethora of choice that you are presented with in our selection of custom swimwear.
In the classical ages, swimming and bathing were done completely naked. All imagery that we have depicting these times show unclothed swimmers, and that appears to be the case right through to the middle ages. Throughout the middle ages, people - for the most part - didn't swim. Any kind or swimming or outside bathing was completely discouraged, which led to there being little need for any form or swimming attire.
Bathing in Bath
Throughout the 17th century bathing costumes did begin to do the rounds. The original swimming clothing derives from spas in Bath, England, which were mostly Roman built. This comprised of a pair of drawers and a waistcoat which was fashioned from a yellow canvas material.
Throughout the 18th century, a man would wear a swimsuit that was made from wool. It was somewhat figure-hugging and had long legs and sleeves. This was similar in style to a thermal underwear all-in-one suit. Very little change was made to this design for another 100 years or so.
Liquid Laws
Throughout the 18th century, each town in England was free to make their own laws regarding the official bathing and swimming dress code. In 1737, men's dress code stated that no male over the age of ten were to go into any baths within the city, either during the day or throughout the night without a pair of drawers and a waistcoat.
In the UK, it became against the law to swim naked in 1860. Throughout the 1860s, caleçons (a type of drawers) came into use. Many people throughout this time protested against these caleçons as they wanted to stay nude while swimming and bathing.
Steady Shrinkage
Men's swimwear followed a very similar trend to women's throughout the 20th century. It shrank. Covering progressively less and less skin until 'speedo' style swimming bottoms became immensely common. Favoured for more than just the athletic benefits, this style of swimming attire was popularly known as 'budgie smugglers'.
In some areas, typically those which are situated in tropical regions, men would also wear pantie thongs, g-strings and even bikini bottoms. This was usually on the beaches however would also be worn in pools and lakes.
Re-expansion
Throughout the 90s, men's swimwear began to regress, becoming longer and looser fitting once more. The hems would often come as low as the knees. Some would be worn lower, on the hips rather than on the waist. Not everyone was a huge fan of this style of swimwear either. This brings us to when we are today where multiple styles are available at the same time, from the minimal to the loose to the tight-fitting-but-longer.
All for one
Despite for the first time in hundreds of years, being presented with more choice on the cut or the style of men's swimwear, options are still incredibly limited. Basic primary colours, along with black and white are extremely common, those which feature a pattern all seem to consist of a very standard 'swim short floral design' again in those same colours. In a modern world where uniqueness is something to celebrate, one for all just won't do anymore.
Custom swimwear
Design your own swimwear, featuring your designs and artwork. Choose from the style that you find most comfortable, and tailor it to make it your own, truly bespoke men's swimwear. You don't just print on swimwear with your designs to customise them, with most of our custom swimwear you can choose the finer details too, from the stitching thread colour to the finishing details. Our custom swimwear is not only available in a range of styles, but a range of sizes too. So design your own swimwear and show off your unique style.
