Woman's one piece Jantzen swimsuit

Maker Jantzen (American, founded 1910)

Date1950s

Object number00005792

NameSwimsuit

MediumCotton

DimensionsOverall: 560 mm, 0.25 kg
Clothing size: 34

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Val and Jack Britten

Terms

DescriptionThis cotton swimsuit features a broderie anglaise trim across the top of the bodice and thigh area, and shirred side panels to emphasise the woman's figure. It has a metal zipper at the back, vylene bra interfacing and cross over neck straps that buttoned at the back. HistoryIn the 1950s cotton swimsuits and sunsuits were often shaped and textured with shirring, smocking and contrasting panels in order to create a curvaceous and ultra-feminine silhouette that emphasised the bust, waistline and hips. This was the decade when the swimsuit became at garment for opulent display. Exaggerated angles and curves were created in the 'constructed' swimsuit, first developed by the Canadian Rose Marie Reid. Swimwear designers drew on engineering and corsetry technology incorporating internal wiring, padding and elastic panels to achieve a sculptured cantilevered bust over a pinched-in 'wasp' waist. This voluptuous look was championed by film sirens Brigitte Bardot, Jayne Mansfield, Jane Russell, Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe. SignificanceThe swimsuit is representative of Australian beach fashions produced by Jantzen in the 1950s. Bought in Brisbane in 1956 by Val Britten (nee Patricia Fisher), the swimsuit was worn for swimming in New South Wales at Casino Municipal Pool, Evans Head and Lennox Head.