White and blue child's bathing suit, made by Jantzen, England, 1959-1960

Blue and white floral print cotton fabric. The swimsuit, for a girl of about 6 years old, has a slim halter neck. The bust line comprises an upward facing frill finished with a thin edging of a blue fabric trim. Below the upward frill is a pale blue strip of fabric about 3cms wide, which runs along the bust line; it has a centralised flat bow at the front. The main body of the swimsuit is constructed with a central and two side panels. There is an overlaid flared skirt over a puffed up kicker section. The back section is smocked to the waist and the leg holes of the suit have elasticated openings. The makers' label is sewn onto the front inside of the swimsuit.

Gift of Caroline McIntyre

This swimsuit was worn by the donor, Caroline McIntyre (b.20/02/1954) when she about 6 years old.
It is a part of a larger gift ranges in size and age group from the donor’s and her brother’s baby clothes throughout her childhood up to the age of about 14. This is a rare opportunity to follow the changing size, fashions and clothing choices (either her own or those chosen for her) of one individual throughout their childhood of the mid 1950s-1960s including those clothes worn for every day as well as those saved for best.

This garment is part of a larger gift of childrens clothes worn by a girl called Caroline (and some by her brother) spanning the mid 1950s-1960s. The range of clothing shows both the developments in fine quality brands, designs and fashions bought for her and available to many girls in the post war period and, through the increasing size and sophistication of the garments, charts Caroline own developments from a toddler through towards her teenage years.

B.302-2011