Harmony wool knit swimsuit
Maker
Harmony
Date1920s
Object number00005690
NameSwimsuit
MediumWool
DimensionsOverall: 840 mm, 0.35 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis one piece black wool knit Harmony swimsuit has both a boy-leg and a full skirt for modesty. The left strap unbuttons at the shoulder, allowing the suit to be pulled on and off. During the 1920s swimwear was manufactured in dark solid colours emphasising the cut of the garment.HistoryThe development of new textile technologies in the 1920s and early 1930s allowed both men's and women's swimwear to become more streamlined and shapely. Using machine-knitted cotton and wool allowed designers to become more daring, however colours were still restricted to black and dark blue because the natural fibres clung suggestively to the body when wet.
SignificanceThis swimsuit is a rare example of beachwear fashions from the 1920s.
