Woman's one piece Jantzen swimsuit

Maker Jantzen (American, founded 1910)

Date1950s

Object number00001768

NameSwimsuit

MediumCotton, rayon, rubber

DimensionsOverall: 560 mm
Clothing size: 36

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionMade by Jantzen International, this faille cotton swimsuit features a half skirt for modesty and a back zipper. Its flattering sweet heart neck line, halter neck shoulder straps and vertical panels were designed to exaggerate the hourglass silhouette and bust to create an ultra feminine body line. HistoryIn the 1950s swimsuits and sunsuits were often shaped and textured with shirring, smocking and panelling in order to create a curvaceous, ultra-feminine silhouette that emphasised the bust, waistline and hips. This was the decade when the swimsuit became at garment for opulent display. Exaggerated angles and curves were created in the 'constructed' swimsuit, first developed by the Canadian Rose Marie Reid. 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. SignificanceThe swimsuit is representative of the structured styles prominent during the 1950s. It is also an important example of the use of new textile technologies during the mid twentieth century.