Medium: Blue wool knit and silvertone metal

Date: 1932

Country: USA

Credit: Museum purchase

During the 1930s, the standard work week was shortened to five days, providing more time for leisure activities. With that came a cultural shift toward vacationing outside during the summer. Sunbathing became a popular pastime and an overall tan was the new symbol of a healthy body. Swimsuits revealed more skin as the decade progressed — as seen in the crab-back style, for both men and women — and with the introduction of rayon, nylon, and stretch fibers such as Lastex (1931), became increasingly more fitted than earlier wool knit designs.

Object Number: P91.75.14