Images(2)

Miss Janzten bikini top

Maker Jantzen (American, founded 1910)

Date1960

Object number00001330

NameSwimsuit

MediumNylon

DimensionsOverall: 330 mm
Clothing size: 34

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis navy blue nylon two piece swimsuit was made by in Australia by Miss Jantzen in 1960. It has a built-in nylon mesh padded bra and modest high cut briefs covering the navel. HistoryThe two piece swimsuit, made famous by starlets such as Ava Gardner, emerged during the war time years of the 1940s. Its modest design was less about a motivation to shock, than fabric saving necessity. The two piece of this period usually covered the navel, unlike the more daring bikini that was to gain widespread popularity in the 1960s. The bikini marked a reaction to the constraints of heavily structured swimsuits popular in the 1940s and 1950s. It represented freedom, with the body exposed rather than dominated by the swimsuit. The release of beach movies such as 'Gidget' and 'How to Stuff a Wild Bikini' during this period also played their part in inspiring a following. Nylon was the first in a series of synthetic fabrics developed and used by swimwear manufacturers during this time. It was quick drying and stretched to hug the figure, providing a more self supporting garment than the heavier woollen suits of previous decades. SignificanceThis swimsuit is a representative example of a modest two piece design produced by Miss Jantzen in the 1960s.