Man's swimsuit
Brand
Jantzen
(American)
Retailer
Hess Brothers
(American)
1932
Blue wool knit and silvertone metal
Museum purchase
Object numberP91.75.14
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.
DescriptionMan's bright blue wool knit swimsuit top with irregular ribbed texture; undershirt styling with deep cut neckline, crab straps at upper back; attached to trunks with front waist zipper. Coordinating navy blue wool knit trunks with irregular ribbed texture; bright blue sideseam piping; buttoned-flap key pocket at RF waist. Coordinating white cotton band belt with herringbone woven pattern; CF silvertone metal buckle with swimmer logoExhibitions