Medium: Nylon seersucker

Date: c.1959

Country: USA

Credit: Museum Purchase

Commercially developed in the 1950s, synthetic “wash-and-wear” garments are extraordinarily wrinkle-resistant. The innate fiber properties of many synthetics, like nylon, make these fabrics water-repellant and readily receptive to heat-setting. By reducing the need for routine ironing, energy is saved over the course of a garment’s wearable life. The “Wash ’n Wear” suit was promoted as being ideal for the man on the go. Nylon suits were a popular alternative to suits made of natural fibers, which required dry cleaning.

Object Number: P88.80.1