Miami Museum Unveils New Swimwear Exhibit Reflecting South Florida’s Evolution
MIAMI — As summer approaches, HistoryMiami Museum has launched an engaging new exhibition that explores the connection between swimwear fashion and the development of South Florida over the last century.
Titled “Waves of Style: Swimwear Through the Decades,” this exhibition opened to the public on Saturday and will remain available until October 5. It showcases around 50 historical swimwear pieces from the museum’s extensive collection, which boasts more than 2,000 textiles.
This immersive experience invites visitors to delve into the history and transformation of swimwear, highlighting everything from the heavy wool suits mandated by law in many areas during the early 1900s to the modern designs that often reveal more than they conceal.
Natalia Crujeiras, the executive director of HistoryMiami, noted that Miami is ideally suited for such an exhibit due to its unique role in shaping and being shaped by beach culture.
“From social change to a place of fun and inspiration around the world, the beach has always been an integral part of Miami,” she stated.
Visitors can also learn about Jane Fisher, the wife of Carl G. Fisher, a real estate pioneer in Miami Beach. In the 1910s, Jane Fisher broke away from the traditional swimwear of her time—which included long skirts and caps—opting instead for one of the first fitted swimsuits on Miami Beach. Initially met with surprise, her bold choice quickly gained acceptance, helping to shape beach fashion. Her husband later used images of “beauties in swimsuits” to promote Miami Beach nationwide.
Interestingly, it wasn’t just women who faced dress expectations in the early 20th century. Men did not commonly wear shirtless swimsuits until the 1930s, a change popularized by Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller, who portrayed Tarzan in various films shot in Florida.
“The design and function of swimwear reflect significant shifts in identity, gender norms, cultural expression, and even personal freedom,” Crujeiras added.
This exhibit not only celebrates the evolution of swimwear but also the remarkable narrative of Miami itself as a vibrant cultural meeting place.
