It’s well-known that American clothing norms, especially in the summer and when swimming, are very lax. For example, skimpy bikinis, tight speedos, or even walking around town with your shirt unbuttoned or with a bare midriff.
My grandma told me that when she was young, this kind of dressing would be socially unacceptable.
What would need to change in the past for clothing norms to stay modest?
I have a couple of ideas
* no safety razor - this led to more body hair shaving, which led to more of the body visible in swimsuits.
* no hippies/free love movement - I’m sure this also played a role
Any more?