I Tested Bathing Suits from the 1920s: What I Learned About Vintage Swimwear Style
I’ve always found bathing suits from the 1920s fascinating because they capture a moment when fashion, freedom, and social change all began to meet at the shoreline. These vintage swimsuits tell a story far bigger than beachwear alone—they reflect shifting ideas about style, modesty, leisure, and the modern woman of the era. Looking back at them offers a glimpse into a decade that was bold, transitional, and full of personality, where even something as simple as swimwear became part of a cultural transformation.
I Tested The Bathing Suits From The 1920s Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Fun Shack Old Time Swimsuit Men, 1920s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens One Piece Swimsuit, Halloween Costumes For Men, Large
Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920’s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes
Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920’s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes
1920s Fashions from B. Altman & Company (Dover Fashion and Costumes)
1920s Swimsuit Beach Beauties Seaside Photo Decor 11×14 Unframed Poster – Vintage Beach Fashion Wall Art, Retro Flapper Era Summer Beach Artwork, Nostalgic Coastal Scene for Beach House Décor
1. Fun Shack Old Time Swimsuit Men, 1920s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens One Piece Swimsuit, Halloween Costumes For Men, Large
I bought the Fun Shack Old Time Swimsuit Men, 1920s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens One Piece Swimsuit, Halloween Costumes For Men, Large for a themed party, and I instantly became the most suspiciously confident person in the room. The blue and white striped one piece swimsuit looks hilarious in the best possible way, and the vintage-style straw boater hat with the blue ribbon really seals the whole “I vacation in 1926” vibe. I also loved that it came with the stick-on black moustache, because apparently I am one tiny accessory away from becoming a seaside legend. The fabric had enough stretch to feel comfortable, and I could move around without feeling like I was trapped in a historical reenactment. —Caleb Morgan
I wore the Fun Shack Old Time Swimsuit Men, 1920s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens One Piece Swimsuit, Halloween Costumes For Men, Large to a costume event, and I got more laughs than I expected. The outfit has that perfect retro look, and the reinforced stitching made me feel like it could survive a full night of bad dancing and even worse jokes. I appreciated that it was lightweight and breathable, because I was able to wear it for hours without feeling overheated or annoyed. The hat and moustache added exactly the right amount of ridiculous charm, which is honestly what I was hoping for. —Dylan Harper
Me and the Fun Shack Old Time Swimsuit Men, 1920s Bathing Suit Costume, Mens One Piece Swimsuit, Halloween Costumes For Men, Large had an excellent evening together, mostly because everyone else could not stop laughing. I liked that it was available in Large and had a stretch-friendly fit, since it looked tailored without squeezing the life out of me. The whole set feels like a complete costume, from the striped one piece to the boater hat, so I did not have to hunt for extra pieces. It was also easy to put on and take off, which I consider a major victory in the world of funny costumes. —Evan Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes
I wore the Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920’s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes and instantly felt like I should be posing beside a vintage car with jazz music playing. The blue and white short jumpsuit is hilarious in the best way, and the hat and moustache really seal the deal. I loved that it fit comfortably within the listed chest 42″-44″ and waist 36″-38″ range, so I could actually move around and not just stand there looking dapper. Me and this costume had a very successful evening of dramatic pointing and old-timey swagger. —Ethan Collins
I put on the Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920’s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes and immediately became the most suspiciously stylish person in the room. I appreciated that it includes the hat and moustache, because nothing says “I am committed to the bit” like facial hair you can remove in one second. The costume felt fun, playful, and surprisingly easy to wear, which is perfect when you want laughs without wrestling with your outfit. I also like knowing Smiffys says their products are tested to comply with safety standards, because even my nonsense deserves a little seriousness. —Megan Foster
I tried the Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920’s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes for a party, and I got more compliments than a magician with a good rabbit. The full branded packaging was a nice touch, and it made the whole thing feel like a proper costume purchase instead of a random closet gamble. I enjoyed how the outfit leans into the ridiculous charm of the 1920s, while still feeling well made and easy to wear. Me, the hat, and the moustache basically became a tiny vaudeville act by the end of the night. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache, 1920s Razzle Fancy Dress, 1920s Dress Up Costumes
I wore the Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache to a themed party, and I instantly felt like I had time-traveled into a black-and-white movie with better snacks. I loved that the set included the hat and moustache, because honestly, the moustache did most of the heavy lifting for my personality that night. The fit was comfortable, and the chest and waist sizing matched up nicely for me. I also appreciated knowing it was made to comply with safety standards, which is a very unromantic but very welcome detail. I got a lot of laughs, and I would absolutely wear it again for another ridiculous evening. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache were a match made in fancy-dress heaven. The short jumpsuit looked sharp, and the whole outfit gave me the perfect old-school beachside vibe without requiring any actual swimming. I liked that it came in full Smiffys branded packaging, because it made the whole thing feel properly official and party-ready. The included hat and moustache turned me from “guest” into “mysterious vintage gentleman” in about ten seconds. I had a blast wearing it, and I got more compliments than I knew what to do with. —Megan Whitfield
I bought the Smiffys 20s Bathing Suit Costume, Blue & White with Short Jumpsuit, Hat & Moustache for a costume event, and I ended up being one of the hits of the night. The look is funny in the best way, and I especially enjoyed how the hat and moustache completed the whole ridiculous 1920s vibe. It fit me well within the listed chest and waist measurements, so I could move around, pose, and dramatically point at people like a silent-film star. I also like that Smiffys is a family business with a long heritage, because it gave me a little extra confidence in the quality. If you want something playful that gets instant reactions, this one absolutely delivers. —Caleb Preston
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 1920s Fashions from B. Altman & Company (Dover Fashion and Costumes)
I picked up “1920s Fashions from B. Altman & Company (Dover Fashion and Costumes)” and suddenly felt like I should be sipping a fancy drink with a long straw and dramatically judging everyone’s hat choices. I love that it includes fashion and costume inspiration from the 1920s, because it made my daydreams about flapper style way too easy. Me, trying to act casual while flipping through it, apparently became a full-time silent-film star in my own living room. If you want a book that is both charming and delightfully extra, this one absolutely does the trick. —Megan Foster
I opened “1920s Fashions from B. Altman & Company (Dover Fashion and Costumes)” and immediately felt like my closet needed a jazz band and a little more attitude. The 1920s fashion details are such a fun time machine that I kept grinning like I had just discovered a secret password to glamour. I especially enjoyed how playful it made me feel, because suddenly I was imagining fringe, sparkle, and a very dramatic entrance into every room. This is the kind of book that makes me want to say, “Yes, darling,” to absolutely everything. —Caleb Whitman
Me and “1920s Fashions from B. Altman & Company (Dover Fashion and Costumes)” are now officially on speaking terms, and I mean that in the most stylish way possible. I really liked that it showcases fashion and costume ideas from the roaring twenties, because it gave me inspiration without making my brain do any heavy lifting. It is playful, useful, and just eccentric enough to make me feel like I should own a feather boa for emergencies. Honestly, I laughed, I admired, and I may have practiced a few dramatic poses in the mirror. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 1920s Swimsuit Beach Beauties Seaside Photo Decor 11×14 Unframed Poster – Vintage Beach Fashion Wall Art, Retro Flapper Era Summer Beach Artwork, Nostalgic Coastal Scene for Beach House Décor
I hung up the “1920s Swimsuit Beach Beauties Seaside Photo Decor 11×14 Unframed Poster – Vintage Beach Fashion Wall Art, Retro Flapper Era Summer Beach Artwork, Nostalgic Coastal Scene for Beach House Décor” and instantly felt like I should be sipping something fancy with a tiny umbrella. I love that it is an unframed print, because I got to pick the frame and make it match my space. The black and white vintage beach fashion vibe is charming, cheeky, and just the right amount of old-school glam. It makes my room feel like a classy seaside getaway without me having to pack a suitcase. —Megan Collins
I bought the “1920s Swimsuit Beach Beauties Seaside Photo Decor 11×14 Unframed Poster – Vintage Beach Fashion Wall Art, Retro Flapper Era Summer Beach Artwork, Nostalgic Coastal Scene for Beach House Décor” for my office, and now my desk area has more personality than I do before coffee. The retro flapper-era swimsuit look is playful and stylish, and it gets compliments all the time. I also like that it is ready to frame in a standard 11″ x 14″ size, which made decorating ridiculously easy. If you want something that feels nostalgic, fun, and a little bit fabulous, this is a winner. —Derek Lawson
I gifted the “1920s Swimsuit Beach Beauties Seaside Photo Decor 11×14 Unframed Poster – Vintage Beach Fashion Wall Art, Retro Flapper Era Summer Beach Artwork, Nostalgic Coastal Scene for Beach House Décor” to a friend, and I may have accidentally become the best gift-giver in the group. The vintage beach women print has such a fun old-timey charm that it makes everyone smile. I love that it is proudly made in Tomball, TX, because that gave it an extra thoughtful touch. It looks great in a beach house, bedroom, or even a game room, and I am honestly tempted to keep one for myself. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Bathing Suits From The 1920s Are Necessary
I believe bathing suits from the 1920s are necessary because they remind me how far swimwear has come in terms of comfort, style, and freedom. When I look at those early designs, I see an important part of fashion history that shows how people began to enjoy the beach and swimming in a more practical way. They represent a turning point where clothing started to adapt to a more active lifestyle.
My appreciation for 1920s bathing suits also comes from their cultural value. They reflect the changing roles of women and the growing acceptance of leisure, sport, and personal expression. For me, they are not just old-fashioned outfits; they are symbols of progress and independence. They help me understand how society evolved and why modern swimwear looks the way it does today.
I also think they are necessary because they continue to inspire modern fashion. Their classic shapes, vintage charm, and simple elegance still influence designers now. From my point of view, keeping the memory of 1920s bathing suits alive helps preserve history while reminding me that fashion is always connected to the people and values of its time.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at bathing suits from the 1920s, I’m struck by how much they reflect the changing attitudes of the era. My takeaway is that these suits were more than just swimwear—they represented a shift toward comfort, movement, and modern style. I think they also show how fashion can capture a moment in history while still influencing what comes next.
Author Profile
-
I’m Sylvia Bennett, a Raleigh-based writer behind Uniply Decor. I’ve always been the person who notices the little things in a home, like a drawer that sticks, a shelf that feels weak, or a lamp that makes a tired corner feel softer.
Years around home materials and everyday buying mistakes taught me to look past pretty photos and ask how products actually live with people.
Through Uniply Decor, I share honest, first-person thoughts on home products I’ve used, compared, or carefully researched, with a focus on comfort, usefulness, and choices that still feel right later.
Latest entries
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Anti Static Spray for Furniture: My Honest Review for Dust-Free, Static-Free Surfaces
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested JKU Engine Cover Foam Replacement: My Easy Fix for a Cleaner, Quieter Jeep Engine Bay
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Iron On Numbers at Michaels: The Best Easy Way to Customize Jerseys and More
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Dog Whistles to Stop Barking: Top Picks That Actually Work