Men's Casben cabana set
Datec 1960
Object numberV00028057
NameCabana set
MediumCotton, plastic
DimensionsOverall: 725 x 790 x 50 mm, 0.15 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionCabana sets, brightly patterned matching boxer shorts and collared button-up shirts, were designed to be worn at the beach and around the pool. Hugely popular in Australia during the 1950s and early 1960s, they were adopted by men of all ages.
Following the fashion for bold fabric prints, this cabana set features stylised Australian and Pacific Island Indigenous motifs in blue, yellow, black, green and white. Made by Casben in 1960, the shorts are lined and have a shirred elasticised waist with a drawstring. The short-sleeved shirt has a left breast pocket and five plastic buttons.HistoryBy the 1950s men's resort wear mirrored women's trends in fabric and detailing. Swimwear fashions broke away from the single-colour conformity of the pre-war years. Flamboyantly coloured trunks and boxer shorts in quick dry fabrics were popular for swimming as well as for casual attire.
SignificanceThis cabana set is representative of men's beachwear fashions from the 1950s and 1960s in Australia.
