The first recorded Olympics took place in 776 B.C. Back then, ancient Greek athletes were strictly men, and they competed in the nude. If we stopped there, we wouldn’t have much to discuss for today’s topic: women’s Olympic fashions. But fast forward to 2012 (A.D.!) and women comprise about 44 percent of Olympic athletes, competing in at least a little more than their birthday suits.
In 1896, women were barred from the first modern day Olympics held in Athens, orchestrated by Baron Pierre de Coubertin. However, many historians pin 1900 to be the year of the first Olympics, this time held in Paris during the World Exhibition. 22 women competed that year in these categories: tennis, sailing, croquet, horse riding, and golf.
Women competing in archery in 1908 wearing Edwardian frocks and hats.
Long before official costumes or modern views on decency, in 1908, women competed in archery dressed in full length Edwardian frocks and fanciful hats as seen in the photo above. Costumes for tennis were equally restrictive, including a high neck, long skirts and full sleeves. Try picturing Maria Sharapova in all that fabric!
Today, female athletes in sports like tennis and volleyball seem to be competing in less and less fabric. However, this year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced more relaxed garment restrictions, allowing religious or conservative competitors to wear more fabric if they choose.
Misty May-Treanor during the 2012 London Olympics.
But not all women will cover up. Misty May-Treanor told the New York Post that she’ll continue wearing her skimpy bikini because, “what you see is what you get – there’s no airbrushing.”
Australian women march in the 1972 Munich Olympics Opening Ceremony.
The garb of the Olympic games eventually came to include official Opening and Closing Ceremony outfits. While many of these costumes from Olympic history seem to lack style (just being honest!), the Australian women in the 1972 Munich Games marched in chic mustard mini dresses.
More and more major fashion designers are now making costumes for Olympic teams. In these 2012 games, American designer Ralph Lauren designed Opening and Closing Ceremony looks for team USA and Hermes designed riding jackets for the French equestrian team.
Will the Olympic Games only become more stylish?
WANT MORE?
Stylish Olympic moments. Stylelist
Cover girl Kim Nelson talks health, style, and boyfriend Olympic Water Polo athlete, Chay. JENESEQUA
US gal volleyball players won’t ditch bikinis. New York Post
Take a peek at the previous NOW & THEN: the turban trend. JENESEQUA
US Olympic uniforms cause controversy. MYFDB
Author: Alexis Sargent, Photo credits: New York Post, MYFDB, Sylelist. Graphic by Alexis Sargent.
