cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/66330850

From Gowns to G-Strings: The Evolution of Swimwear and the Decline of Modesty

In 2024, a small piece of fabric is sparking big conversations. The G-string bikini — as bold and cheeky as it gets — has become an emblem of freedom and self-expression. It’s a staple on beaches, in music videos, and across social media. But how did we get here? And what does our swimwear say about the values of our society?

A Journey Through Time: When Modesty Was the Norm

Rewind to the 1800s, when women’s swimwear bore little resemblance to today’s revealing trends. Back then, modesty wasn’t just a fashion statement — it was a deeply ingrained value. Women entered the water wearing bathing gowns made of heavy fabrics like wool, designed to cover most of the body. To preserve their privacy, they even used “bathing machines” — small wooden huts on wheels — to change and enter the sea away from prying eyes.

These women weren’t ashamed of their bodies; they saw them as sacred. Their choices reflected a cultural reverence for modesty, humility, and dignity. Even their feet were covered — not for modesty, but for protection — with unflattering bathing shoes designed to guard against glass and shells. Fashion took a backseat to virtue.

Early 1900s: The Beginning of a Shift

By the early 20th century, beach fashion began to evolve. Sailor-inspired swimsuits emerged, maintaining modesty while leaning toward a more fashionable aesthetic. Women even wore silk stockings with their suits. The focus was still on covering up, with bathing coats used as stylish beach cover-ups.

But in 1907, everything changed. Australian swimmer and actress Annette Kellerman was arrested on a Boston beach for wearing a form-fitting one-piece swimsuit that revealed her arms and legs. Though controversial at the time, Kellerman’s arrest sparked a movement — and a revolt. Women began to push back against strict swimwear norms, demanding the right to choose how much skin to show.

Was her arrest spontaneous, or was it orchestrated? Some speculate it was a publicity stunt. After all, Kellerman wasn’t just any woman — she was a famous actress and athlete. Whether planned or not, the impact was undeniable. By challenging the norms, she paved the way for radical changes in women’s swimwear — and in societal attitudes.

1920s–1940s: Progress or Provocation?

Following Kellerman’s lead, the 1920s saw rising hemlines and shrinking sleeves. Yet modesty still had defenders. Beach patrol officers carried measuring tapes to enforce decency laws, and women could be fined or jailed for swimsuits deemed too revealing. Some, like novelist Louise Rosine, were even arrested for refusing to wear stockings.

By the 1930s, swimsuits hugged the body more closely. In the 1940s, swimwear evolved to resemble short dresses with bra-like tops and skirted bottoms. Then, in 1946, the modern bikini was born.

The Bikini Bombshell

French engineer Louis Réard introduced the bikini on July 5, 1946, naming it after Bikini Atoll, where post-WWII atomic bomb tests had taken place. The design was explosive in its own right. French women embraced it, but others — especially the Catholic Church and more conservative communities — condemned it as indecent.

Actresses like Brigitte Bardot and Raquel Welch helped popularize the bikini, turning it into a symbol of sex appeal. Welch’s iconic role in One Million Years B.C. solidified the bikini as more than just swimwear — it was now a statement of sexual liberation.

But what does that liberation mean?

The Bikini and the Women’s Liberation Movement

Fashion historians note that the bikini wasn’t just a product of fashion but of feminism. As women fought for independence and autonomy, revealing swimwear became a way to assert control over their own bodies. The bikini was hailed as empowering, a symbol of personal freedom.

But is that the whole story?

Freedom or Forgetting?

Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing the extremes of this movement — from bikinis to thong bottoms and microkinis. But while modern culture calls this “freedom,” others argue it represents a cultural shift away from dignity and self-respect.

Many women today are triggered by the word “modesty,” viewing it as outdated or oppressive. But could it be that modesty wasn’t just about clothing — that it was about values? Humility, reverence, and a deep respect for one’s body?

As modesty has declined, so has a sense of restraint. Beach scenes now often resemble parties more than places of rest — with public displays of sexuality, drunkenness, and viral dance videos becoming the norm.

A Biblical Perspective: Has Something Been Lost?

The Bible teaches that the body is sacred — a temple. In the past, Christian women were shaped by this belief, and it influenced everything from their behavior to their dress. They didn’t dress modestly out of shame, but out of a desire to honor God and protect what was private and precious.

Today, we live in a culture that rejects the Bible and embraces personal desire above all else. But this shift has left many questioning — have we traded something profound for something fleeting?

Do today’s trends really empower women, or do they objectify them further?

When modesty is viewed as weakness and exposure as strength, we risk misunderstanding the true value of the body. And if we believe that clothing has no meaning — that it’s just fabric — we ignore the powerful messages it sends, both to ourselves and to those around us.

Asking the Hard Questions

Why are we wearing what we’re wearing to the beach? Is it really about comfort, or is it about attention? Are our choices shaped more by Instagram trends than by our inner convictions?

And more importantly: what does our swimwear say about who we are — and what we believe?

These are hard questions. But they matter.

In Conclusion: A Call to Reclaim Dignity

Fashion changes. Culture shifts. But truth remains. For those who believe in something higher, modesty is not about restriction — it’s about reflection. It’s about reflecting God’s design, respecting the sacredness of the body, and standing firm in values that don’t shift with the tides.

Perhaps there’s wisdom in the ways of our sisters from centuries past. Their beach attire may seem extreme by today’s standards, but their understanding of dignity, grace, and sacredness is something worth remembering — and maybe even reclaiming.