SWIMSUIT FEVER

   
           As our society has become more mature and more knowledge has been built through different periods of time, the mutual characteristic of an individual to strive to express themselves is no secret as history speaks for itself and women have embraced their prerogative to express their curves with a swimsuit. 
           It was in the 18th century that the very first swimsuit was invented, and the woman were compelled to wear dark-colored, large dress-like garments specifically for the purpose of hiding the human body. Now before this era, it was perfectly fine to go swimming in the nude. Whether nude or loin cloths, both were considered appropriate for swimming. It was time and realization within society that caused drastic changes within the clothing department.
           About 1855, bloomers and black stockings were then added to prevent any problems with the exposure of the body. As the years progressed, it was between the years 1915- 1930 that woman swimsuits began to acquire color, design and style. With a continuation of dark colors to be used upon the garments, swimsuits now gave woman the opportunity to expose their shoulders and play with design as swimsuits began to acquire character from the original structure of the swimsuit.
           In 1922, necklines began to lower the stitching and it was inch by inch that woman began to mold their garments with their persona, adding bright color other than white and made a statement within society, incorporating style and their expression as a woman to feeling sexy.
          As the character of the woman began to unfold inside out, fashion began to make an impression upon everyday clothing. ‘The swimsuit’ was stripped away of its leggings, the back area was exposed and soon enough the stomach would be shown as well.
           Summer fever was sweaty and on the verge of inspiration as woman took swimsuits to a level of fashion. Out in the sun on the beach, woman styled their colored swimsuits with accents such as bows, flowers in their hair and matching heels for added flair.
          With their short shorts, tight fitted body suits and chest exposure, woman enhanced the appearance of their physical features, some with the purpose of fashion and others to incorporate the natural instinct of flaunting their bodies for sexual appeal.
                                                                      Many models during the 50’s era would spark the fashion industry and society to display a different way to wear a swimsuit. With colored patterns implemented from anchors to floral patterns, to influencing the bikini and accentuating their waist, woman had found their loophole to physical expression.
           Once their feet were wet, every era of time took the swimsuit to another level as society developed its prerogative to independence.
From the 1970’s to the swimsuits we use today, necklines have shown more cleavage, more of the leg has been uncovered and the perception of ‘less is more’ has been embellished within society … and accepted.
           The fashion industry has found a way to embrace another set of clothing, swimsuits have given models alternatives to appeal, and woman have expanded their natural preference to decorate their garments with color and enhance their own sexual appeal.
           A 45 year-old business owner and mother of 2 children gives her perception on physical expression and swimsuits saying, “I think the bathing suits look pretty and I think if you have a nice shape, then there is no problem showing it. It’s all in your own confidence, Beatriz Flores from El Paso, TX says.
           There may be limits to how much is exposed when wearing a swimsuit however it’s the idea as an individual to engage in their own sexuality and the natural expression of it, that woman of all ages seem to appreciate.
          Christa Villarreal, a 21 year-old college student from McAllen, TX, gives her opinion on wearing a swimsuit saying, “It’s natural. It doesn’t bother me, it’s just a body,” she says.
          Time has made an impact upon society and the swimsuit is simply just one example of these changes within the perception of society. Self-expression of sexuality as an individual has definitely made an impression through the swimsuit, and has given woman the opportunity to have fun with it.
          Whether you’re at the pool swimming or lounging by the pool, wear your swimsuit with no guilt and embrace those curves if you’d like and however you’d like, in the name of self-expression.