Here’s how much the Miss America swimsuit competition has changed since 1921

Ever since news broke that the swimsuit competition was being removed from the Miss America pageant, it’s interesting to see just how that portion of the contest has evolved throughout the years since its inception in 1921. Nowadays, judges will be more interested in the intelligence and causes of each candidate, rather than how their bikini complements their figure. As chairwoman of the Miss America board of directors, Gretchen Carlson states: “Whatever they chose to do, it’s going to be what comes out of their mouth that we’re interested in when they talk about their social impact initiatives.” But it wasn’t always this way. In fact, Miss America started out as a “bathing suit revue.” Let’s take a look at how the swimsuit competition has evolved, shall we?

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Here’s how much the Miss America swimsuit competition has changed since 1921

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  1921

  In 1921, bathers were far removed from the tiny pieces of cloth they are today. Here, contestants line up in above-the-knee loose fitting swimmers, some with matching knee socks!Getty Images

• 1927

  In 1927, hemlines were raised every so slightly but the silhouette changed significantly for sure. Could this be the original bodycon?Getty Images

• 1939

  These suits are looking like modern-day Spanx, if you ask us. Can you spot King Triton?Getty Images

• 1947

  In 1947, a flash of midriff appears.Getty Images

• The fifties

  Though this photo is undated, this bathing suit style was popular in the '50s, as was, we suppose, weighing each contestant publicly.Getty Images

• The fifties

  In another undated photo, the girls are picture perfect in matching hats.Getty Images

• 1961

  Worn by contestants taking a dip in Atlantic city, the bathing suits finally serve their purpose.Getty Images

• 1965

  Bouffants and hairspray to complement the one-piece swimsuits of the '60s.Getty Images

• 1974

  Co-ordinating heels were the norm on the boardwalk.Getty Images

• 1987

  The ladies gather for a huddle and show off their late '80s style swimsuits, which surprisingly featured plenty of variation.Getty Images

• 1995

  Baywatch shows its influence in 1995 where red one-piece suits took centre stage.Getty Images

• 2007

  Swimsuits get significantly smaller in 2007.Getty Images

• 2009

  Athletic body types join hourglass figures in suits of various shapes and sizes.Getty Images

• 2017

  The end of an era - the last swimsuit competition ever for Miss America took place on September 10, 2017. What's in store for this year's Miss America? We shall soon find out!Getty Images