Canadian style men's replica swimsuit

Maker Jantzen (American, founded 1910)

Date1950s

Object numberV00016699

NameSwimsuit

MediumWool

DimensionsOverall: 570 x 475 mm, 0.2 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis replica of an early 1920s Canadian style two piece swimsuit was produced by Jantzen in the 1950s for promotional use in fashion parades and advertising campaigns. Machine manufactured, the swimsuit top is sleeveless and features a high round neck. The knee length trunks have a draw string waist, and the Jantzen diving girl logo, used from 1948, has been sewn on both the left and right hip.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. Often sleeveless or with very short sleeves, the innovative design also revealed the wearer's ankles and shins. It was not uncommon for swimwear manufacturers such as Jantzen to make costumes for promotional purposes such as fashion parades and window displays. These display garments followed the cut of 'original' swimwear designs, but were not made for getting wet.SignificanceThis swimsuit is a rare example of a replica costume used by Jantzen for promotional purposes in fashion parades in the 1950s.