49 Inspiring Vintage Photos of Extraordinary Women

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Bathing Beauty Versus The Beach Police (1925)

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Summer will soon be here again, and you’ll need to think of ways to make your swimsuit photo stand out when Instagram gets flooded with bikini pictures. While you’re practicing your poses, choosing the best background, looking for the best lighting, and finding the best swimwear to boost your confidence, modesty laws in the 1920s prevented women from even bothering with swimwear fashion and functionality.

Earlier in this decade, orders were issued that swimsuits were not over six feet above the knee. In this photo, a West Palm Beach policeman is measuring Betty Fringle’s bathing suit to make sure the beachgoer’s outfit conforms with regulations. If it’s considered too short, Betty will be asked to cover up or leave the beach, and if she refuses, she will be arrested for indecent exposure. Fortunately, with the introduction of new fabrics such as latex and nylon, swimsuits became more practical and comfortable—and smaller.