Women's blue Watersun swimsuit
Maker
Watersun
Date1960s
Object number00008326
NameSwimsuit
MediumBri-nylon, cotton
DimensionsOverall: 685 mm, 0.2 kg
Clothing size: 32
Clothing size: 32
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from ADA Productions
DescriptionMade by Watersun in the 1960s, this electric blue one piece swimsuit features a drawn threadwork design, creating an uncut fringe that joins the top to the bottom. The Bri-nylon fabric gave the wearer support and shape with an inbuilt 'Unquestionable' bra and elasticised edging on the legs.
HistoryIn the 1950s and early 1960s swimsuits and sunsuits were often shaped with panelling and in-built supports to create a curvaceous, ultra-feminine silhouette that emphasized the bust, waistline and hips.
In the late 1960s swimsuits gradually became less structured. Designs became more focused on comfort, and new synthetics such as nylon became the preferred material for manufacturers as it was quick drying, and stretched to hug the figure.
Watersun is Australia’s oldest privately-owned swimwear and beachwear brand, established in 1961. It has continued to thrive on its key belief that swimsuits should be engineered to comply with the specific characteristics of its fabric.
Its most recent line (2009) by designer Rebecca Graham focuses on glamorous silhouettes and dynamic separates. The swimsuit range incorporates crochet trims and a tropical colour palette in patterns that are both solid and floral.SignificanceThis swimsuit is representative of women's beachwear fashions produced by Watersun in Australia in the 1960s. It is also an important example of the development and use of textile technologies for manufacturing swimwear during the twentieth century.
