Boy's knitted cotton bathing drawers
Date1890-1910
Object number00018359
NameSwimsuit
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 380 (length) x 355 mm, 740 mm waist diameter, 0.05 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis pair of boy's bathing drawers, also known as waders, are made from a knitted cream cotton decorated with light and dark blue horizontal stripes. Both the hems and the seams have been machine sewn and would have originally included a cotton drawstring at the waist.HistoryIn the early 1900s mixed bathing became acceptable and men and boys, in the name of public decency, were required to cover up rather than swim naked. Men wore bathing suits, one piece cotton or wool knit garments with short sleeves and mid thigh and boys wore bathing drawers, crude, cotton knit knee-length shorts.SignificanceThis is a rare example of an Edwardian boy's bathing garment.
c 1950
1890 -1910
1900 - 1910
