Women's reproduction three piece 1910s style bathing costume

Maker Jantzen (American, founded 1910)

Date1920 - 1950

Object numberV00045205

NameSwimsuit

MediumCotton

DimensionsOverall: 760 x 360 mm

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis reproduction 1910s style three piece women's bathing costume was made at an unknown date by Jantzen Australia Pty Ltd, possibly for use as a display garment in fashion parades or promotional events. The black and white chequered cotton fabric bathing costume is made up of three pieces and was known as a 'princess suit'. A bathing cap gathered into a full crown with white braid trim on the brim. A pair of knee length bloomers with an elasticised waist and cuffs. A knee length dress with short sleeves, a high round neck, a fitted waist and a full gathered skirt completes the ensemble. Buttoning at the back, the dress has a white braid trim embellishment at the neck, sleeves and waist and a large red 1920s style Jantzen diving girl logo sewn to the left corner of the skirt.HistoryThe 'princess suit' of the 1900s and 1910s consisted of a short skirted dress worn over matching bloomers. It was usually accessorised with stockings, lace up boots and a matching fabric bathing cap. The bathing suit's knee length skirt allowed greater freedom in the water and its shorter sleeves and button-up back created a more modern look compared to earlier bathing costumes from Victorian times. Widely available through clothing and department stores, the princess suit became very popular in Australia, Europe and America. It was not uncommon for swimwear manufacturers to be make costumes for theatrical or promotional purposes such as fashion parades and window displays. These 'display' garments followed the cut of traditional swimwear designs, but were sometimes made from lighter fabrics such as cotton as they were not created for getting wet.SignificanceThis reproduction three piece 1910s style bathing costume was previously owned by Jantzen Australia Pty Ltd and was then used by Chin Yu Williams and David Williams in musical theatrical productions. The Williams' were entertainers and producers on the Australian club circuit. After approaching Jantzen in 1970, the company gave them a series of reproduction costumes, which had most likely been used in fashion parades and window displays. The costumes were then worn by the Williams' in various musical productions around Australia in the 1970s.