Miss Jantzen bikini brief

Maker Jantzen (American, founded 1910)

Date1960

Object number00001331

NameSwimsuit

MediumNylon

DimensionsOverall: 330 x 345 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. 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 naval, unlike the more daring bikini that was not to gain widespread popularity until the 1960s.SignificanceThe garment is a representative example of a 1960s design produced by Miss Jantzen.