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Image Not Available for Canadian style swimsuit
Canadian style swimsuit
Image Not Available for Canadian style swimsuit

Canadian style swimsuit

Date1900s - 1910s
Object numberV00039511
NameSwimsuit
MediumCotton
Dimensions700mm x 380 mm, 0.080kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis Canadian style two piece swimsuit is made from navy blue cotton stockinette and is trimmed in white. The top fastens with two buttons at the shoulder, and falls low over the knee length trunks for modesty.HistoryThe Canadian style two piece swimsuit, worn by men, women and children, simplified the earlier styles of bathing dress while still covering the body. Often sleeveless or with short sleeves, the design was innovative in revealing the wearer's ankles and shins. The swimsuits were made from stockingette, which was a machine-knitted cotton that offered a light-weight alternative to wool serge.SignificanceThe swimsuit is a rare, representative example of the Canadian style swimsuit worn by men and women during the Edwardian period.