Neck-to-knees, togs, budgie smugglers, sluggos, maillot... over the last century swimwear, like its name, has evolved... from a functional outfit to an often provocative fashion essential.

A new exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum will show how Australian designers and swimming stars have been central figures in the evolution of the modern swimsuit, helping to blur the boundaries between underwear and outerwear.

Exposed! The story of swimwear draws on the museum's extensive collection of historical swimwear to explore how the modern swimsuit changed bathing into swimming and helped redefine perceptions of the body.

As a nation of swimmers it's not surprising Australia played, and continues to play, such a key role in swimwear innovation and design.

Over the ensuing decades the modern swimsuit underwent an amazing transformation with Australian designers spearheading many of these developments.