From leather to lace, bright colored neon to power-suits, the aesthetic experiments of the ’80s gave the fashion world a colorful array of styles which continue to inspire today’s beachwear.
The 80’s was a time of bold fashion choices, and swimwear was no exception. From the neon colors and bold patterns to the high-waisted bikinis and one-piece swimsuits, 80’s swimwear fashion was all about making a statement. In this retrospective, we’ll take a closer look at the most iconic styles of the era and how they continue to influence swimwear fashion today.
Swimwear collections for the past few summer seasons have obviously drawn inspiration from the 80’s “cult of the body” swim suit designs. Many of today’s designers are re-creating the high-cut, neon and animal-prints bathing suits that made eighties swimwear so popular.
In the 1980’s swimwear took a turn for the… well lets just say that is all up to the eye of the beholder. Neon colors, scoop necks, V-hips all became swimwear trends born in the 80’s.
Speedo style swimsuits that were made of nylon/elastane became the new fabric of choice in the eighties and still remain the number one fabric today for women’s swimwear.
Full piece bathing suits produced by brands like speedo and body glove began to make their popularity in the 80’s that were cut to look like athletic style suits. High rise bikini bottoms and scoop necks with a built-in bra support for movement and speed.
The “thong” bathing suit also made its debut in the eighties when swimwear designers began to take fashion tips from the exotic Brazilian Culture. Drawing from the same inspiration many designers began to use animal prints on their bathing suits giving them a look of their very own.
Below is a collection of images featuring 80’s Beachwear in all of its glory.
The Rise of the One-Piece Swimsuit: A 80’s Swimwear Staple
In addition to the high-waisted bikini, the one-piece swimsuit was another popular style of the 80’s. From sleek and simple designs to bold patterns and cut-out details, one-piece swimsuits were a versatile choice for any occasion. They were especially popular for athletic activities such as water aerobics and swim races.
Animal Prints Became a Favorite – Drawing inspiration from exotic Brazilian culture.
Bringing Back the High-Waisted Bikini: A 80’s Swimwear Trend
The high-waisted bikini was one of the most popular styles of the 80’s, and for good reason. Not only did it provide more coverage than other bikini styles of the time, but it also had a flattering silhouette that accentuated the waist. This style of bikini was often paired with bold patterns and neon colors, making it the perfect choice for a day at the beach or pool.
High waisted swimwear became all the rage in the 1980’s
Popular Pinup girl from the 1980’s
Shiny elastic material began to make the scene in the mid 1980’s
Neon Colors and Bold Patterns: The 80’s Swimwear Essentials
When it comes to 80’s swimwear fashion, neon colors and bold patterns were the norm. From bright pinks and yellows to electric blues and greens, 80’s swimwear was all about making a statement. These bold colors and patterns were paired with everything from high-waisted bikinis to one-piece swimsuits, creating a look that was both fun and fashionable.
Techno Style bathing suits became a popular trend in the 80’s
80’s two piece bathing suits with high waisted cuts became popular in the 1980’s
Bo Derek taking a stroll in 80’s swimwear
Popular 1980’s bathing suit cut with ruffles and deep V neck
1980’s Workout Swimwear
The Workout look became popular in the 1980’s
80’s Swimwear in Popular 80’s Movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High
80’s Swimwear in Popular 80’s Movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Southern California embraced the Neon Culture
Men’s swimwear in 80’s surf culture
Bright colors were not just a style, they became a way of life
Men’s 80’s board shorts, bright and colorful
Australian Rockers ACDC hitting the beach in the 80’s
Fashion forward 1980’s swimwear cuts
The Legacy of 80’s Swimwear Fashion
Today, 80’s swimwear fashion continues to influence contemporary swimwear styles. From the resurgence of high-waisted bikinis to the popularity of neon colors and bold patterns, the 80’s remain a touchstone in the world of swimwear fashion. Whether you’re a fan of the era or just looking for a fun and unique look, 80’s swimwear fashion is a timeless choice that will never go out of style.
FAQs About 80’s Swimwear:
Q: What made 80’s swimwear fashion so unique?
A: The 80’s was a time of bold fashion choices, and swimwear was no exception. From the neon colors and bold patterns to the high-waisted bikinis and one-piece swimsuits, 80’s swimwear fashion was all about making a statement.
Q: What was the most popular style of swimwear in the 80’s?
A: The high-waisted bikini was one of the most popular styles of the 80’s, followed closely by the one-piece swimsuit.
Q: Are 80’s swimwear styles still popular today?
A: Yes, 80’s swimwear fashion continues to influence contemporary swimwear styles. From the resurgence of high-waisted bikinis to the popularity of neon colors and bold patterns, the 80’s remain a touchstone in the world of swimwear fashion.
Q: What were the swimwear materials used in the 80’s?
A: The popular swimwear materials in the 80’s included nylon and lycra, which offered a comfortable and stretchy fit. Swimwear of the era was often lined with a second layer of material for added durability and support.
Q: What types of swimwear accessories were popular in the 80’s?
A: Swimwear accessories in the 80’s included everything from oversized sunglasses to neon headbands and visors. Beach totes and oversized towels were also popular choices, as they allowed swimmers to easily transport their belongings to and from the beach or pool.
Q: How did 80’s swimwear fashion reflect the cultural trends of the era?
A: The bold and colorful styles of 80’s swimwear fashion reflected the cultural trends of the era, which were characterized by a love of excess and a desire to stand out. This was an era of big hair, bright colors, and bold patterns, and 80’s swimwear fashion was the perfect reflection of these trends.
Q: How has 80’s swimwear fashion evolved over the years?
A: While many elements of 80’s swimwear fashion remain popular today, the styles have evolved to meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers. For example, high-waisted bikinis now come in a wider range of styles and materials, and one-piece swimsuits now often feature cut-out details and bold prints. However, the bright colors and bold patterns that were so popular in the 80’s continue to be a staple of swimwear fashion.
The 80’s was a time of bold fashion choices, and swimwear was no exception. From the neon colors and bold patterns to the high-waisted bikinis and one-piece swimsuits, 80’s swimwear fashion was all about making a statement. Today, we continue to see elements of 80’s swimwear fashion in contemporary styles, from the resurgence of high-waisted bikinis to the popularity of neon colors and bold patterns. Whether you’re a fan of the era or just looking for a fun and unique look, 80’s swimwear fashion is a timeless choice that will never go out of style. So, why not take a trip down memory lane and embrace the bold and beautiful world of 80’s swimwear fashion?
