Women's white rubber swimming cap
Date1950s
Object number00039528
NameSwimming cap
MediumRubber
Dimensions190 x 220 mm, 0.4 lb. (0.2 kg)
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis white rubber swimming cap features an embossed design of white tulips across the crown and a border frieze of leaves along the back. A rubber chin strap with a metal press stud follows the early 1950s fashion trend for caps based on leather aviator's helmets from the 1920s. A stamp on the inside of the cap reads 'Made in West Germany'.
HistoryDuring the 1950s extravagantly decorated rubber swimming caps were very much in vogue, worn to accessorise with a swimsuit, and to protect permanent wave hairstyles popular during the period. Often designed by milliners, caps were brightly coloured, appliquéd with flowers or ribbons, or moulded into shapes.
SignificanceThis swimming cap is representative of beach and pool fashions of the 1950s and 1960s.
