Canadian style swimsuit
Date1900s - 1910s
Object number00039511
NameSwimsuit
MediumStockingette
Dimensions700mm x 380 mm, 0.080kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis Canadian style two piece navy blue swimsuit is trimmed in white. The top is fastened with two buttons at the shoulder, and falls low over the knee length trunks for modesty. Worn by men, women and children in the early part of the twentieth century, the swimsuit was a simplification of earlier styles of bathing dress.
HistoryThe Canadian style two piece swimsuit, worn by men, women and children in the early part of the twentieth century, was a simplification of earlier styles of bathing dress. The swimsuits were made from stockingette, a machine-knitted cotton that offered a light-weight alternative to wool serge. Often sleeveless or with very short sleeves, the innovative design also revealed the wearer's ankles and shins.
SignificanceThe swimsuit is a rare, representative example of the Canadian style swimsuit worn by men, women and children during the early part of the twentieth century.
1900s - 1910s
