Bodysuit: A one piece form fitting garment that covers the torso and crotch similar to a leotard or swimsuit.
This trend has been around for a while now, and from the looks of it we don't see it changing anytime soon!
The "Bodysuit" is a extension of the Leotard, which was created in the second half of the 19th century by French gymnast Jules Leotard. Jules needed a garment to wear while preforming on the trapeze that allowed him to preform freely. This invention became the standard piece for gymnast and acrobats, usually made from worsted wool or silk. In that Era athletic wear was not as efficient as it is today, There was a need to find athletic clothing that would allow athletes to perform efficiently and freely.
During the early 20th century Ballet dancers began to adapt to the leotard movement providing dancers with the ability to move with ease and allowing the audience to see the formation of their bodies as they moved. Leotards paired with stockings became the signature rehearsal attire for dancers worldwide.
Bodysuits crossed over from sportswear into Fashion in the 1940's, on behalf of designers Claire Mccardell and Mildred Orrick who created their own versions of the leotard.In 1943 Harper's Bazaar called the bodysuit trend a "New Idea", encouraging young college girls to try them out. The Bodysuit was officially published and made the cover of Harper's Bazaar September issue.
It wasn't until the 1960's onward where the bodysuit really began to trend in the fashion industry. Women began to appreciate the flexibility, slim fit, discretion, convenience, and variety of this one piece garment. Designers who have been influenced by the bodysuit and went on to create their own collections are Betsey Johnson and Donna Karen to name a few. Lastly American Apparel introduced many different versions of the bodysuit, which created a major impact in women's fashion today.Now a days you can go into just about any clothing store and find many different styles and variants of bodysuits, every women needs a bodysuit in her wardrobe collection!