Men's black woollen Jantzen swimming trunks

Maker Jantzen (American, founded 1910)

Datelate 1930s

Object number00028086

NameSwimsuit

MediumWool, cotton, metal

DimensionsOverall: 405 x 415 x 20 mm, 0.3 kg
Clothing size: 36

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThese black swimming trunks follow the late 1930s fashion for men's swimwear that was topless and high waisted. Made in Australia by Jantzen, the knitted ribbed wool design features a half skirt and leg line on the upper thigh for modesty and an adjustable white cotton webbing belt with a metal buckle. The belt buckle has been engraved with the word ‘lifeguard’. The swimming trunks have white cotton cord stripes down both sides and the Jantzen trade logo, the red diving girl, has been sewn to the bottom of the modesty panel.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 Australian swimwear trends for men from the 1930s.