Women's Allure swimsuit
Maker
Allure
Date1960s
Object number00003653
NameSwimsuit
MediumBri-nylon
DimensionsOverall: 620 x 340 mm, 0.15 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionMade by Allure, this colourful psychedelic print swimsuit shows the change from the structured swimwear of the early 1950s to the more comfortable and simplistic designs of the 1960s.
Emerging fabrics such as Bri-nylon offered support and shape without the corset-like panels of earlier swimsuits. Form was instead created through an inbuilt bra and elasticised edging on the legs and scooped back. This design also features a quarter skirt for modesty, and adjustable shoulder straps fastened with plastic buttons.
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.
SignificanceThis swimsuit is representative of women's beachwear fashions produced in Australia in the 1960s. It also shows the development and use of textile technologies for the manufacture of swimwear during the mid 20th century.
