Rudi Gernreich Bathing Suit

From Esther Williams’s glamorous one-piece wonders to Brigitte Bardot’s bombshell bikini on the beaches of Cannes, swimwear has made headlines and raised eyebrows for years. After all, who doesn’t want to wear alluring vintage or designer swimwear for a trip to the beach or poolside relaxation?

Design, style and the amount of skin shown have all made news when it comes to swimwear. While in the 19th century women often sported skirts over bloomers when they visited the shore, by the early 20th century, many were wearing sleek Jantzen suits that would influence the swimsuits women wear today.

By the mid-century, cutouts and two-piece suits were pushing the boundaries of swimwear, with designer Rudi Gernreich debuting the daring topless monokini in 1964. In the 1970s, legendary designers such as Halston were applying an evening-wear aesthetic to swimwear, adding plunging necklines, ruching and even beadwork. Maillots and bikinis began to feature strapless designs.

Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Elsa Schiaparelli and Versace are among the designers who have left their mark in the swimwear world with bold prints and cuts as well as a wide range of dazzling embellishments.

Today, swimsuits are crafted with both function and style in mind for swimming, lounging and making a statement in and out of the water. Browse an extensive collection of vintage and designer swimwear on 1stDibs.