Women's turban style bathing cap
Date1970s
Object number00029617
NameSwimming cap
MediumSynthetic fabric
DimensionsOverall: 0.05 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Joan Gray
DescriptionThis 1970s turban-style bathing cap has been made out of a striped synthetic fabric and features a tie at the front. The original rubber lining has been removed. 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 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 beach and pool fashions of the period.
1910s
