Fabric Revolution
These two synthetic fibres were introduced into swimwear during the 1960s.
What is Nylon and Lycra?
During the 1950s, people increasingly participated in this activity beside the pool without entering the water.
What is sunbaking?
By the 1980s, both these styles of swimwear were commonly accepted at the beach.
What are one-piece swimmers and bikinis?
This decade saw the bikini patented by Louis Réard.
What is the 1940's?
Lead weights were sewn into swim dresses, but by the 1960s swimsuits stayed in place using this material.
What is elastic?
Lycra revolutionised swimwear because it provided this property
What is stretch?
The 1950s saw the emergence of this new leisure culture centred around swimming pools.
What is swimming pool culture?
By the 1980s, this category of swimwear became acceptable beachwear alongside bikinis.
What are wetsuits?
This invention changed swimwear forever in 1946.
What is the bikini?
Australia's influence on swimwear design grew significantly during this decade.
What is the 1970's?
The introduction of Lycra meant there was no longer a need for these closures in swimwear.
What are zippers?
During the 1970s, Australia became a leader in the design of this type of swimwear.
What is a bikini?
These fabrics allowed sunlight to pass through and became acceptable beachwear during the 1980s.
What are tan-through fabrics?
Australia became a leader in this area of fashion during the 1970s.
What is bikini design?
The progression from wool swimsuits to Lycra swimsuits demonstrates the influence of this factor on design.
What is technological development?
This material began to be used around the edges of swimsuits during the 1960s to hold them in place.
What is elastic?
The 1970s saw the development of this Australian lifestyle, complete with its own music, values and fashion brands.
What is surf culture?
Compared with the 1900s, beachwear restrictions by the 1980s had become significantly more this.
What is relaxed?
Surf brands emerged as part of this cultural movement.
What is surf culture?
Compare a 1900 bathing costume to a 1980s bikini. The most obvious societal change is attitudes toward this.
What is modesty?
The introduction of Lycra and nylon demonstrates how advances in this area influence textile design.
What is technology?
The development of swimming pool culture and surf culture shows how this societal factor influences textile design.
What are lifestyle changes?
The acceptance of tan-through fabrics in the 1980s reflects changing attitudes towards this concept.
What is body exposure?
The popularity of surf brands in the 1970s demonstrates the influence of culture on this industry.
What is fashion/textile design?
The history of swimwear from 1833 to the 1980s demonstrates the continual interaction of technology, culture and this third influence.