Not currently on display at the V&A

Beach Trouser Suit

ca. 1968 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Foale & Tuffin were among the first designers to experiment with trousers for women. One of their most successful designs featured trousers with a tunic top. They were usually made from Liberty printed silk, but various fabrics were used, including woven wool and synthetic crepe.

Here, the tunic and trousers are yellow cotton towelling with a red zip. This outfit was intended for beach wear, to go over a bikini or swimsuit. With its elasticated trouser waist and loose top, it could be pulled off and on easily. This simple, practical design still shows Sally Tuffin and Marion Foale's eye for colour. In addition to the red zipper, two bright blue zips provide contrast as well as access to secure pockets. The donor wore this on the beach abroad, and would not have worn it in the street.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Beach Jacket
  • Beach Trousers
Materials and techniques
Cotton towelling, machine sewn
Brief description
Beach trouser suit of cotton towelling, Foale & Tuffin, London, ca. 1968.
Physical description
Bright yellow cotton towelling tunic jacket and trouser suit. Machine sewn.
Production typeReady to wear
Credit line
Given by Mrs Nancy McDonough
Object history
Registered File number 1991/1999.
Bought in London for about £5 for a holiday to the South of France and to the USA. The donor would only have worn it on the beach abroad, never in the street.
Production
Reason For Production: Retail
Summary
Foale & Tuffin were among the first designers to experiment with trousers for women. One of their most successful designs featured trousers with a tunic top. They were usually made from Liberty printed silk, but various fabrics were used, including woven wool and synthetic crepe.

Here, the tunic and trousers are yellow cotton towelling with a red zip. This outfit was intended for beach wear, to go over a bikini or swimsuit. With its elasticated trouser waist and loose top, it could be pulled off and on easily. This simple, practical design still shows Sally Tuffin and Marion Foale's eye for colour. In addition to the red zipper, two bright blue zips provide contrast as well as access to secure pockets. The donor wore this on the beach abroad, and would not have worn it in the street.
Collection
Accession number
T.197:1, 2-1991

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Record createdMarch 19, 2007
Record URL
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