Men's Jantzen trunks with detachable top
Maker
Jantzen
(American, founded 1910)
Date1930s
Object number00028055
NameSwimsuit
MediumWool, metal, cotton
DimensionsOverall: 840 x 465 x 30 mm, 0.4 kg
Display dimensions: 610 x 400 mm
Clothing size: 44
Display dimensions: 610 x 400 mm
Clothing size: 44
Copyright© Jantzen Diving Girl logo Skye Group
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionIn 1932 Jantzen introduced the 'Topper', a detachable style men's swimsuit that allowed the wearer the freedom to go bare-chested. The Racerback top of this swimsuit is fastened to the high waisted trunks with a horizontal zipper, and features a white webbing belt and chrome buckle. Produced by Jantzen in response to the ever increasing popularity of sunbathing, this innovative design allowed men to stop rolling down the tops of their one piece swimsuits to achieve an all-over tan.
HistoryDespite a move towards topless swimsuits throughout the 1930s in Australia and the United States, government regulations still promoted the one piece swimsuit for men. In 1935 the New South Wales Minister for Local Government, the Honourable E.S. Spooner, announced dress regulations that stipulated men's swimsuits must have legs that covered at least three inches of the thigh and covered the front body up to the armpits and the back body up to the waist.
In the United States men were banned from wearing trunks without a top on public beaches until 1937. This sparked the development of convertible styles that permitted the top to be removed, such as the Jantzen Topper in 1932. Belts and buckles were also often included in the design, primarily as a way of differentiating men's swimwear from undergarments.SignificanceThis swimsuit is representative of changes in men's beach and pool wear designs during the 1930s, and is a rare example of an English style incorporating a detachable top.
