Woman's one piece Jantzen swimsuit

Maker Jantzen (American, founded 1910)

Date1950s

Object number00003363

NameSwimsuit

MediumCotton

DimensionsOverall: 640 x 350 mm, 0.25 kg
Clothing size: 38

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionDuring the 1950s cotton swimsuits and sunsuits were often shaped and textured with shirring and panelling in order to create a curvaceous, ultra-feminine silhouette that emphasised the bust, waistline and hips. This cotton swimsuit features a fully shirred back, a sweet heart neck line and adjustable cross over shoulder straps fastened at the back with white plastic buttons. The design also incorporates a half skirt for modesty, rouched sides, and two vertical rouched seams at the front. HistoryIn the 1950s 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.SignificanceThis swimsuit is representative of designs produced by prominent swimwear manufactures in Australia, such as Jantzen.