Men's maroon woollen Thistle swimming trunks
Maker
Thistle
Datec 1935
Object number00028085
NameSwimsuit
MediumWool, cloth
DimensionsOverall: 390 x 340 x 20 mm, 0.15 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThese maroon swimming trunks follow the 1930s fashion for men's swimwear that was topless and high waisted. Made in Australia by Thistle, the knitted wool design features a half skirt and leg line on the upper thigh for modesty and a drawstring waist. The Thistle trade logo, a yacht with a thistle on its sail, has been machine sewn onto the bottom of the trunks. 'Max' has been handwritten on the manufacturer's label in black pen.HistoryMen's swimwear followed men's fashions in the late 1930s. Form-fitting trunks with strategically placed seams and panels followed the trend for swimwear that was functional, sleek and streamlined. Belts and buckles were also often included in the design, primarily as a way of differentiating men's and boy's swimwear from undergarments.
Though there had been a move towards topless suits throughout the 1930s in Australia and the United States, government regulations still promoted the one piece swimsuit for men. This sparked the development of convertible styles that permitted the top to be removed, such as the Topper in 1932.SignificanceThese swimming trunks are a rare example of men's beachwear trends from the 1930s.
