Final answer:
In the 1920s, bathing suits mirrored the societal shift towards practicality and women's newfound agency, becoming form-fitting, less restrictive, and reflecting flapper fashion with higher hemlines. The move towards modernity in dress also indicated women's desire for independence and an acknowledgment of their changing roles post-war.
Step-by-step explanation:
Changes in Bathing Suits in the 1920s
During the 1920s, fashion underwent significant transformation, reflecting the social changes of the era. Women gained more agency and moved towards practicality in dress, a trend that extended to bathing suits. The once bulky and modest swimsuits evolved into more form-fitting and less restrictive garments. Flapper fashion, characterized by straight lines and shorter hair, influenced swimwear design, leading to simpler and smaller suits that allowed for greater freedom of movement. The necessity for work-appropriate clothing during the war also echoed in swimwear, as materials were scarce, and practicality became a priority. In addition, the movement towards a more liberated female sexuality and acknowledgment of mutual satisfaction in relationships was mirrored in the swimwear styles that became popular.
Compared to the early 1900s, skirts were shorter, providing a parallel in swimwear as hemlines rose and coverage decreased. Despite these changes, modesty still played a significant role in fashion, though interpreted through a modern lens. Women's newfound confidence post-war also translated into their fashion choices, leading to the adoption of new swimsuit styles that represented independence and a break from past constraints.