Of all types of clothes, the swimsuit is the most laconic, revealing, and provocative at the same time. A human body sporting a swimsuit may elicit different emotions, from admiration to a more restrained reaction, as the initial surprise of the revealing attire gives way to familiarity and acceptance. Swimsuits have gone a long way from the bathing gowns of the 1800s that covered women’s entire bodies, arms and legs. Those gowns weighed a ton when wet, as they were typically made of flannel or wool. Annette Kellerman, an Australian swimmer and actress, popularized a one-piece swimsuit in the early 1900s and was arrested for wearing it in public. In the 1920s, as swimming as a sport was getting more popular, swimwear got more form-fitting, with shorter hemlines and sleeveless tops, all for the sake of a more streamlined cut. The bikini, as we know it nowadays, was introduced days after the US had conducted a hydrogen bomb test on the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. French designer Louis Reard named his creation the ‘bikini’ believing that it would have a bombshell effect on the fashion world. The name was also a nod to the fact that the bikini swimsuit was seen as a daring design that pushed the boundaries of the acceptable in beachwear.
Decades and a string of more swimwear designs later, from polka dots and stripes of the 1960s, the high-waisted bottom and low-cut tops of the 1970s and the 1980s as popularized in Charlie’s Angels show, the swimwear fashion has become more inclusive and focused on body positivity in recent years. The bikini, first featured in 1962 James Bond’s Dr. No, with Ursula Andress emerging from the ocean sporting a white bikini, remains a popular choice for women’s swimwear around the world to this day and an iconic symbol of summer and beach culture. However, the industry has recently become more inclusive and focused on body positivity, with brands like CCXSWIMWEARleading the way.
CCXSWIMWEAR is the brainchild of Ashley Ray Cushman, a model, fitness specialist, and entrepreneur who aims to empower women to embrace their bodies and showcase their unique styles. After struggling to find a satin bikini that met her standards, Cushman decided to create her own brand of high-quality satin bikinis. Her bikinis are stylish, comfortable, and designed to make women feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Cushman’s approach to swimwear design and body positivity rests on her diverse background. As a licensed esthetician with a background in Health and Exercise Science, Cushman creates informative content about fitness and healthy lifestyles without engaging in body shaming. Her experiences with negativity and hate inspired her to become a vocal advocate for body positivity, inspiring others to love and accept themselves.
Though the history of swimwear has undergone significant changes, from the modest bathing gowns of the 1800s to the revealing bikinis of the modern era, it has finally evolved to become more inclusive and focused on body positivity, with brands like CCXSWIMWEAR offering women of all shapes and sizes a stylish and comfortable option for the beach or pool. Cushman’s satin swimwear line is a testament to the importance of self-love and acceptance in the fashion world. To find out more about the brand, visit its website here. For those who want to enjoy Cushman’s engaging content, follow her on her Instagram and TikTok accounts.
