Vix Swimwear Among Others Get Samples From History To Heart    by Ben Pate

in Shopping / Clothing    (submitted 2011-02-25)

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.

Over time swimsuits fashions have run the gamete from bikinis to dresses and back again changing based on societal trends. For a long time the purpose was to cover key areas of a woman's body for those who dared to bathe publicly. With this came functionality as scant material brought new ways to enhance certain features while detracting from others.

Swimwear first went out of vogue after use in Greece by the Romans when water sports were discouraged expect for use in physical therapy. Swimming was reintroduced in France and England in the 18th century when women wore bathing gowns that looked like smocks. This required the addition of lead weights in the hems of the suits in order to keep them from floating. A revolution in swimwear then began in the 1800s when Americans took to beaches and seaside ports in droves for the purpose of recreation.

As people took to the water more types of sports were added which required an alteration in the design of swimwear. It now not only had to protect the modesty of individuals, but also convenient and functional. By the beginning of the 19th century, water sports were seen as an acceptable form of recreation and became part of the Olympic Games which opened new opportunities for women.

The 1880s saw the beginning of the swimwear industry as a viable branch of the fashion industry. There suddenly was a need for designer suits and they responded with the first ever blouse and trouser one piece. In order to ensure modesty was maintained, a wrap around skirt was also included. By the 20th century bold designs became popular that exposed more skin, but were still of the one piece style. It wasn't long, however, before two piece suits were introduced that exposed the stomach area.

Along the way, swimwear has become skimpier and sexier driven by the ideal body type as was seen in magazines and in media throughout the world. During this period it was important that women strive to have the right body style in order to fit the designs generated by the industry. This served to cause many women to become depressed and disheartened because they could not achieve the ideal.

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.

About the Author

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 swimwear 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.