Across fashion, film and television, and more, a revealing look at how changing swimwear designs reflect shifting attitudes.

From the suffocating modesty of bloomers to the bold minimalism of the bikini, Dressing for Leisure dives into the fascinating story of swimwear and its place at the heart of modern culture. Tracing more than a century of changing styles, it explains how swimsuits have not only followed fashion but reshaped ideas about the body, freedom, sexuality, and identity. Moving through Hollywood glamour, beach culture, competitive sport, and celebrity influence, Jo Coghlan and Lisa J. Hackett bring to life the moments when swimwear sparked outrage, set trends, and defined generations. Stylish, accessible, and thought-provoking, the book reveals how a simple garment sits at the center of debates about gender, race, beauty, and modern life.