Women's Miss Jantzen swimsuit

Maker Jantzen (American, founded 1910)

Date1970s

Object number00018196

NameSwimsuit

MediumHelanca, plastic

DimensionsOverall: 650 mm, 0.25 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis Miss Jantzen swimsuit has a plunging 'v' neckline, low scooped back and a decorative white plastic zipper opening to the navel. Unusual and abstract fabric designs were often used by swimwear manufacturers in the 1970s. These new synthetic fabrics also offered support and shape without the corset-like structuring of earlier swimsuits and were also quick drying, lightweight and comfortable. HistoryIn the 1950s and early 1960s swimsuits were often shaped with panelling and built-in supports to create a curvaceous, ultra-feminine silhouette emphasising the bust, waistline and hips. As the 1960s progressed swimsuits became less structured and designs became more focused on comfort. New synthetic fabrics that were quick drying and stretched to hug the figure, provided a more self supporting garment than the heavier woollen suits of previous decades. One of these new fabric inventions was called Helanca. Helanca, first patented and produced in 1931, was the first 'stretch' fabric. Produced by spinning artificial silk fibres into a springy spiral and then weaving it back into knitted wool, the fabric was widely used by swimwear manufacturers around the world. SignificanceThis swimsuit is representative of designs produced in Australia by Miss Jantzen in the 1970s.