Canadian swimsuit trunks
Date1900s - 1910s
Object number00039512
NameSwimsuit
MediumStockingette
Dimensions700 x 380 mm, 0.08 kg
Length from waist to hemline: 440mm
Waist diameter: 940mm
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.HistoryThe Canadian style two piece swimsuit, worn by men, women and children, simplified the earlier styles of bathing dress while still covering the body. Often sleeveless or with short sleeves, the design was innovative in revealing the wearer's ankles and shins.
The swimsuits were made from stockingette, which was a machine-knitted cotton that offered a light-weight alternative to wool serge.SignificanceThe swimsuit is a rare, representative example of the Canadian style swimsuit worn during the Edwardian period.
