Women's Capella swimming cap
Maker
Capella
Date1950s
Object number00003655
NameSwimming cap
MediumRubber
DimensionsOverall: 160 x 160 x 160 mm, 0.15 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
Collections
DescriptionThis pink rubber swimming cap has been elaborately decorated with an all-over cover of raised rubber spikes. Worn to accessorise with the wearer's swimsuit, and protect permanent wave hairstyles popular during the period, swimming caps were a popular fashion statement in the 1950s.HistoryDuring the 1950s and 60s extravagantly decorated rubber swimming caps were very much in vogue. Often designed by milliners, caps were brightly coloured, appliquéd with flowers or ribbons, or moulded into shapes.
Swimming caps began replacing swimming bonnets with the invention of rubber accessories from 1883. Combined with fabric, these early caps often coordinated with swimwear and served to protect women’s stylized hairdos. WWII rationing restricted many materials, including rubber, and the swimming cap market dropped off.
However, by the early 1950s they were back, brighter and more of a fashion statement than before. While still protecting carefully styled hair, the rubber swim cap became more creative with technology enabling new designs and colours.
SignificanceThis bathing cap is representative of Australian beach and pool fashions in the 1950s.
