1940s bathing suits, like many other clothing items, was also losing its modesty. The 1940s was the era when the midriff was born, and it was shown in swimsuits as well as playsuits. 1940s swimsuits were tight, unlike the suits of previous eras.

One-piece swimsuits were still popular, but the new two-piece suit had plenty of fans too. The 1940s swimwear featured stretchy control panels in the stomach, made from a new type of material called lastex, and bra cups in the bust to keep the figure looking good in the revealing (by ’40s standards of course) bathing suits.
Any color could be found on a swimsuit, but patriotic colors were popular as well as floral patterns and polka dots. Suits fastened with small buttons or metal zippers in the back.

Take a look at these glamorous pictures of women in bathing suits from the 1940s.