Women's green swimsuit
Date1950s
Object number00003384
NameSwimsuit
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 570 x 280 mm, 0.2 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis 1950s cotton swimsuit features two ruched panels at the front and full shirring at the back. The halter neck is cuffed with a floral trim and bow embellishment and a delicate green frill. The swimsuit has a half skirt and is fully lined for modesty.HistoryIn the 1950s and early 1960s swimsuits and sunsuits were often shaped with paneling and built-in supports in order to create a curvaceous, ultra-feminine silhouette that emphasised the bust, waistline and hips. Known as a 'constructed' swimsuit, they were first developed by a Canadian designer, Rose Marie Reid, in the 1940s.
Various 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 a representative example of women's beachwear fashions produced in the 1950s.
