Splash! A Dive into Style at London’s Design Museum

Level: Beginner • Date: April 16, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

A Stylish Look at 100 Years of Swimwear

The Design Museum in London just opened a fun and colorful new swimwear exhibit called “Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style.”

This exhibit takes visitors on a journey through 100 years of swimwear design. It shows how fashion, sports, and culture have changed the way we dress at the beach or pool.

You’ll see swimsuits from the 1920s to today—from long wool suits to modern high-tech gear. There are also famous outfits worn by Olympic swimmers, lifeguards, and celebrities.

Fashion Meets Function

Swimwear isn’t just about looking good. The museum shows how materials and designs have changed over time. Swimsuits became tighter, lighter, and faster. And new styles allowed people to enjoy the water with more comfort and confidence.

The exhibit also highlights how swimwear reflects body image, social changes, and even gender equality. It’s not just fashion—it’s history!

A Cool Visit for All Ages

Whether you love fashion or just want to see something different, this swimwear exhibit in London is a splash of inspiration. It features interactive displays, rare historical pieces, and beautifully curated sections that make it both fun and educational. Families, tourists, students, and fashion lovers are all finding something to enjoy. The exhibit runs through September and has already received glowing reviews from both critics and visitors alike.

Vocabulary Builder

Exhibit (n.) – a public display in a museum or gallery.
Example: We visited an art exhibit last weekend.
Swimwear (n.) – clothes worn for swimming.
Example: She bought new swimwear for the beach trip.
Lifeguard (n.) – someone trained to save swimmers in danger.
Example: The lifeguard watched the swimmers carefully.
Outfit (n.) – a set of clothes.
Example: That outfit looks great on you!
Material (n.) – what something is made of.
Example: This swimsuit is made of stretchy material.
High-tech (adj.) – using advanced technology.
Example: Athletes wear high-tech suits to swim faster.
Confidence (n.) – feeling sure of yourself.
Example: She walked into the room with confidence.
Gender equality (n.) – equal treatment of people of different genders.
Example: The company promotes gender equality.
Body image (n.) – how people think about their body’s appearance.
Example: The media affects young people’s body image.
Inspiration (n.) – something that gives you new ideas.
Example: That movie was full of inspiration.

Discussion Questions: About the Article

What surprised you about swimwear history?
Have you ever visited a design museum?
Which part of the exhibit sounds most interesting to you?
Do you think swimwear shows culture or just fashion?
What do you like to wear at the beach or pool?

Discussion Questions: On the Topic

How has fashion changed in your country over time?
Do you think what people wear shows their personality?
What are some examples of “fashion meets function” in other clothes?
Should clothing be more about style or comfort?
Have you ever felt confident or shy because of what you were wearing?

Idiom of the Day: “Make a splash”

Meaning: To get a lot of attention in a positive way. How it applies: The new swimwear exhibit really made a splash in London—everyone is talking about it!

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This article was inspired by The Guardian’s coverage of “Splash!” at the Design Museum in London:

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