Women's Bathing and Swimming Costume in the United States

"Woman's Bathing and Swimming Costume in the United States" by Claudia Brush Kidwell is a late 20th-century history book that tells the story of how women's swimwear changed in America, moving from practical, simple designs to more stylish and useful ones. The book explores how people's ideas about women's roles and their involvement in fun activities affected the way swimwear looked and how modest it was, as styles shifted over time. The book begins by describing how early swimwear for women was mostly functional and restricting, reflecting expectations of modesty. It then looks at the changes in these outfits, showing how cultural shifts and new technologies gave women more freedom and made it more acceptable for them to participate in water sports. The history of women's bathing attire is closely linked to broader themes, including changing opinions about women in society, movements promoting health, and the advancement of gender equality in access to leisure activities.