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Women's paisley print cotton swimsuit
Women's paisley print cotton swimsuit

Women's paisley print cotton swimsuit

Maker
Date1950s
Object number00028078
NameSwimsuit
MediumCotton, wire, plastic
DimensionsOverall: 730 x 310 x 10 mm, 0.2 kg
Clothing size: 34
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionMade in Australia by Allure, this paisley print cotton swimsuit has a panelled bodice rouched at the seams from the waist down to the skirt, a cuffed neckline, and a structured wire bust. With adjustable shoulder straps that fasten at the back with clear opalescent plastic buttons, the fully lined swimsuit has a low cut shirred back and a scalloped quarter skirt with elasticised legs. HistoryFrom the late 1940s cotton swimsuits and sunsuits were often shaped and textured with shirring, smocking and contrasting panels in order to create a curvaceous and ultra-feminine silhouette that emphasised the bust, waistline and hips. In the 1950s the swimsuit became a fully fledged garment for opulent display, with women's magazines encouraging their fashion conscious readers to buy new swimsuits every season.SignificanceThis swimsuit is representative of the structured beachwear fashions popular in Australia during the 1940s and 1950s.