Women's striped Sea Charm bikini
Maker
Sea Charm
Date1960s
Object number00001764
NameSwimsuit
MediumCotton
DimensionsClothing size: 34
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis 'Cherie' bikini by Sea Charm is made from striped grosgrain cotton. The design features halter neck straps, a lace-up front and an inbuilt bra with reinforced seams. The bikini top's straps are made of shirred elastic and fasten with two clear plastic buttons. The bikini briefs are lined with cotton stockingette and shaped with a 'v' seam, highlighting the fabrics vertical and horizontal stripes.HistoryThe two piece swimsuit, made famous by film starlets such as Ava Gardner, emerged during the war time years of the 1940s. Its modest design was a fabric saving necessity. The two piece of this period usually covered the naval, unlike the more daring bikini that was to gain widespread popularity in the 1960s.
Designed in 1946, the bikini marked a reaction to the constraints of heavily structured swimsuits popular in the 1940s and 1950s. It represented freedom and fun. The release of beach movies such as 'Gidget' and 'How to Stuff a Wild Bikini' during this period also played their part in inspiring a following.
SignificanceThis bikini is a rare example of a design produced by the Sydney based company Sea Charm. The swimsuit still has its original swing tag.
1950s-1960s
