Women's swimming cap with appliquéd flowers
Date1970s
Object number00029615
NameSwimming cap
MediumRubber
DimensionsOverall: 0.2 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Joan Gray
DescriptionThis white 1970s swimming cap is decorated with a layer of appliquéd multi-coloured rubber flowers. Caps such as this would have been worn to accessorise with the wearer's swimsuit, as well as to protect her hair from the sun, water and wind.
HistorySwimming caps were primarily made of rubberised fabric by the mid 20th century. Rubber shortages during World War II affected their availability, however, by the 1950s decorated caps had come into vogue.
During the 1960s swimming caps gained in popularity. Often designed by milliners, caps were brightly coloured, appliquéd with flowers or ribbons, or moulded into shapes.SignificanceThis cap was worn by Joan Gray, a house model for Jantzen, and is representative of the beach and pool fashions of the 1970s.
