Girl's homemade cotton sunsuit

Date1950s

Object number00028064

NameSunsuit

MediumCotton, elastic

DimensionsOverall: 525 x 320 x 10 mm, 0.1 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis colourful cotton girl's sunsuit was made at home in the 1950s. The shoulder ties are made of shoelaces and the waist and legs have been tightened with elastic. HistoryThe 1950s was a transitional period for swimwear, with swimsuits and sunsuits ranging from modest bloomer or pleated skirt styles, to body hugging silhouettes worn by pinup girls and the Hollywood set. By the mid 1950s the baby boomer swimsuit was introduced. The bust line received less emphasis, while the hips became the focus of attention. These bloomer style costumes combined a cute baby doll image with a more sophisticated line, and remained in fashion until the end of the decade.SignificanceThis is a rare example of a homemade girl's sunsuit, and is representative of the bloomer style popular during the 1950s.