Women's floral swimsuit
Maker
Watersun
Date1960s
Object number00008330
NameSwimsuit
MediumBri-nylon, cotton
DimensionsOverall: 650 mm, 0.15 kg
Clothing size: 32
Clothing size: 32
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from ADA Productions
DescriptionMade by Watersun, this brightly coloured one piece swimsuit features a modesty skirt, a scooped back with a central zipper and adjustable shoulder straps fastened with plastic buttons. Using an inbuilt 'Unquestionable' bra with both over and underwire, the fully lined nylon swimsuit provides support and shape for the wearer.HistoryIn the 1950s and early 1960s swimsuits and sunsuits were often shaped with panelling and in-built supports to create a curvaceous, ultra-feminine silhouette that emphasized the bust, waistline and hips.
In the late 1960s swimsuits gradually became less structured. Designs became more focused on comfort, and new synthetics such as nylon became the preferred material for manufacturers as it was quick drying, and stretched to hug the figure.
l.SignificanceThe swimsuit is representative of the panelled swimsuit styles prominent during the early 1960s. It is also an important example of the development and use of textile technologies for manufacturing swimwear during the twentieth century.The maker, Watersun, became one of the higest selling and most successful companies in Australian swimwear history.
