Women's Helco bloomer style swimsuit
Maker
Helco
Date1950s
Object number00003382
NameSwimsuit
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 690 x 380 mm, 0.15 kg
Display dimensions: 660 x 315 mm
Clothing size: 34
Display dimensions: 660 x 315 mm
Clothing size: 34
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis fully lined cotton swimsuit has a half skirt for modesty, a sweet heart neckline, and adjustable shoulder straps with opalescent plastic buckles that are fixed at the centre of the back. Made by the Australian swimwear manufacturer Helco in the 1950s, the swimsuit's bold abstract pattern includes two wire stays sewn into the bodice, elasticised legs and a shirred back.
HistoryIn the 1950s and early 1960s swimsuits and sunsuits were often shaped with paneling and built-in supports in order to create a curvaceous, ultra-feminine silhouette that emphasised the bust, waistline and hips. Known as a 'constructed' swimsuit, they were first developed by a Canadian designer, Rose Marie Reid, in the 1940s.
Various swimwear designers drew on engineering and corsetry technology incorporating internal wiring, padding and elastic panels to achieve a sculptured cantilevered bust over a pinched-in 'wasp' waist. This voluptuous look was championed by film sirens Brigitte Bardot, Jayne Mansfield, Jane Russell, Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe.
SignificanceThis swimsuit is a rare, representative example of women's beachwear fashions produced in Australia by Helco in the 1950s.
