Men's Seagull swimming trunks
Maker
Seagull
Date1940s
Object number00009443
NameSwimsuit
MediumWool
DimensionsOverall: 330 x 400 mm, 0.245 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Dale O'Sullivan
DescriptionThese blue knitted wool Seagull 'Sunshine Fashion' swimming trunks follow the 1940s trend for men's swimwear that was topless and high waisted. The design features a half skirt and a leg line on the upper thigh for modesty and an adjustable white cotton webbing belt.
HistoryDespite a strong move towards topless bathing suits for men during the 1930s, Australian government regulations stipulated that men's swimming attire must cover at least three inches of the thigh, the front body up to the armpits and the back body up to the waist.
By the late 1940s swimming trunks that were high waisted and half skirted were acceptable beach attire for men. Belts and buckles were often included in the design, primarily as a way of differentiating men's swimwear from undergarments.SignificanceThese swimming trunks are representative of belted woollen designs produced in Australia during the 1940s.
