Man's navy blue Jantzen swimming trunks

Maker Jantzen (American, founded 1910)

Date1950s

Object number00001765

NameSwimsuit

MediumNylon

DimensionsOverall: 320 mm
Clothing size: 40

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionMade in Australia by Jantzen in the 1950s, this pair of nylon navy swimming trunks were quick drying and figure hugging, requiring a drawstring waist and a half skirt for modesty. From the early 1950s swimwear manufacturers shifted away from using natural fibres, such as wool and cotton, to synthetics. Nylon, developed during World War I by DuPont, USA, was the first in a series of synthetic fabrics used by swimwear and lingerie manufacturers. HistoryBy the end of the 1930s the fashion for men's swimwear was topless, high waisted, knitted wool or jersey swimming trunks with a half skirt for modesty, a leg line on the upper thigh and a belt for support. By the 1950s men's swimsuits mirrored women's trends in both fabric and detailing. While the actual style of trunks changed little between the 1930s and 1950s, there was a shift from natural fibres, such as wool and cotton, to synthetics.SignificanceTThis pair of swimming trunks is representative of designs produced in Australia by Jantzen during the 1950s. They are also an important example of the use and development of new textile technologies for swimwear during the mid 20th century.