Women's orange and white nylon bathing cap
Datec 1960
Object number00016885
NameCap
MediumNylon, plastic, elastic
DimensionsOverall: 210 x 230 mm, 0.05 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Joan Gray
DescriptionFashionable accessories such as this red and white stretch nylon swimming cap added glamour to the beach, pool or resort in the 1960s. Most likely handmade, the cap is constructed out of a single panel of red fabric that has been gathered at the top with a fabric-covered button. Fully lined in plastic and decorated with a wide white band with a large fabric rosette, the cap was worn by Australian swimwear model Joan Bell to protect her hair from the sun and wind.
HistoryDuring the 1960s extravagantly decorated rubber or nylon swimming caps were very much in vogue. Often designed by milliners, caps were brightly coloured, appliquéd with flowers or ribbons, or moulded into shapes.
Joan Gray was a popular model for Jantzen and regularly appeared on the cover of PIX and other magazines from the 1940s. A favorite war-time pin up girl, she also appeared in the Australian propaganda short film, 'From Laces to Lathes'.SignificanceThis cap was worn by Joan Gray, a house model for Jantzen, and is a representative example of beach and pool fashions from the 1960s.
1960s - 1970s
