Beach fashion has a rich and varied history, spanning decades and reflecting the changing social norms of different times. From the early 17th century to the current day, beach wear has evolved greatly, influenced by shifting values.

In the 1600s and 1700s, beachgoers wore practical clothing such as loose coats to protect themselves from the sun and the elements. The emphasis was on covering one's skin in public, reflecting the strict social norms of the era. Only the elite were allowed entry to public beaches, and their attire often indicated their social standing.

By the mid-19th century, beach fashion began to take on a more pronounced form. The introduction of bathing machines allowed men to change into bathing costumes and then be towed to the water's edge before emerging fully clothed in woolen suits to protect against the cold. Women wore long skirts and multiple layers on top of woolen bathing suits, which made it challenging for them to swim. The complexity of women's beachwear limited mobility of the beach.

Rise to prominence of the 1920s and 1930s was influenced by Hollywood glamour. Swimwear, like the iconic Maillot, emerged, popularizing liberating two-piece swimsuits that highlighted a woman's figure. With the influence of the Roaring 30s, men started to abandon conventional tops and knee-length trunks for more modern suits.

As the 20th century progressed, swimsuit styles kept improving. Bikinis made their debut in the 1940s but were initially viewed as forbidden. The widespread acceptance of the 1960s counterculture movement marked a turning point in swimwear. Women wore increasingly revealing two-piece swimsuits that abandoned the tops that seemed far more liberating compared to modest and full-borne two-piece.

While men's beachwear remains generally conservative, certain men follow modern swim shorts' fashion and reveal more skin than other men in conventional swimwear. The styles can range from colorful Hawaiian shirts to highly specialized athletic swimsuits with a distinct focus on athletic needs.

The beach trend often becomes the driving force in defining broader fashion trends. In wake of supermodel runway exposure, when the 80s introduced eye-catching on swimsuits to capture attractive onlookers and in more recent times, پیراهن نخی designers see potential in incorporating chic designs from beachwear into urban and nightly wear.