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Bathing costume

Bathing costume

  • Place of origin:

    Paris (made)
    London (retailed)

  • Date:

    1937 (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Neyret (maker)
    Galeries Lafayette (retailer)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Machine-knitted wool

  • Museum number:

    T.293-1971

  • Gallery location:

    Fashion, Room 40, case CA10, shelf FIG3

This machine-knitted woollen swimsuit dates from the 1930s, the decade that advocated outdoor activities for physical fitness. At that time wool was thought to be a suitable material for close-fitting garments like swimwear because of its elastic qualities. The disadvantage was that it became heavy when waterlogged.

This one-piece bathing suit has an aerodynamic (and slimming) navy side stripe. It is made in stocking stitch with a ribbed waist panel for extra shaping and support. The straps cross over the fashionable low-cut back and through two loops at the front. The owner bought it from the French department store Galeries Lafayette in Regent Street, London.

Physical description

Bathing costume made of machine-knitted wool. Made in one-piece. White with a navy stripe down both sides. The straps cross over at the low cut back and through two chrome D loops at the front. Unlined. Made in stocking stitch with a ribbed waist panel. The bust is fashioned.

Place of Origin

Paris (made)
London (retailed)

Date

1937 (made)

Artist/maker

Neyret (maker)
Galeries Lafayette (retailer)

Materials and Techniques

Machine-knitted wool

Dimensions

Length: 61 cm top of bust to leg, Width: 23.5 cm across waist

Object history note

RF 71/920
Group of beachwear (T.292 to 301-1971) bought at a Christies auction in April 1971. Although sold as belonging to an anonymous lady, these pieces were owned and worn by Vera, Lady Swettenham, who married Sir Frank Athelstane Swettenham (1850-1946) in 1939 after his divorce from his first wife of 60 years.

The Swettenham property lists identify this piece as having originally been purchased from the Galleries Lafayette on Regent Street, London, at a cost of £5.12.6

Descriptive line

One-piece bathing costume of machine-knitted wool, made by Neyret, Paris, retailed by Galeries Lafayette, London, 1937

Materials

Wool

Techniques

Machine knitting

Categories

Sport; Fashion; Women's clothes; Textiles; Europeana Fashion Project

Collection

Textiles and Fashion Collection

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