Women's red woollen swimsuit
Date1930s
Object number00004934
NameSwimsuit
MediumWool
DimensionsOverall: 215 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis 1930s machine knitted red woollen swimsuit features a half skirt and a high cut boat neckline. An unusual feature is the long red and white shoulder straps that cross at the centre of the back and then tie at the front to form a belt.
Swimsuits like this kept their shape when wet through the use of figure-hugging knits and shaping seams. This design incorporates eight vertical tucks at the neck, with the central four running the entire length of the torso.HistoryThe 1930s saw both men and women revealing more of the body reflecting the new craze for sun bathing. Swimwear was now functional, sleek and streamlined. Men went topless, wearing swimming trunks and belted wool knit shorts with a half skirt for modesty. Women's swimsuits went backless, and were often accessorised with coloured rubber surf caps to complete the silhouette of the outfit.
Knitted one piece close-fitting swimsuits, known as maillots, defined the 1930's fashion for women's swimwear. Their design, often featuring a scooping back, followed the trend of women's evening dresses of the period. The look was simple and elegant, creating soft curves that contoured the body. Attention was drawn to the back by the use of different types of shoulder straps such as halter-necks, cross straps and cutaway straps.
SignificanceThis is a rare example of a woollen swimsuit produced in the 1930s.
