Men's maroon Lincoln swimming trunks
Maker
Lincoln
Date1940s
Object number00028088
NameSwimsuit
MediumWool
DimensionsOverall: 345 x 310 x 10 mm, 0.15 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThese maroon swimming trunks were made by Lincoln in Melbourne in the 1940s. Featuring a high waist with belt loops, a half skirt, and a leg line on the upper thigh, they are made of machine knitted wool.HistoryIt was illegal for men to wear swimming trunks without a top on public beaches in Australia until the late 1930s. Convertible styles that permitted the top to be removed for sunbathing became popular. Belts and buckles were also often included in the design, primarily as a way of differentiating men's swimwear from undergarments. By the end of the decade fashionable men's swimwear was topless and high waisted, with a half skirt for modesty and a belt for support.
SignificanceThese swimming trunks are representative of men's swimwear made in Australia during the 1940s.
