To mark our own steamy July 4th weekend, here is a Minneapolis Daily Star report on the beachwear of 1922.

New Bathing Suits

By Rita Stuyvesant

Simplicity is the keynote of the latest bathing suits, and the more one can eliminate hooks, buttons and other fastenings, the more comfortable one can feel. For instance, what could be easier to get into than a one-piece frock of taffeta, sleeveless, and cut out at the neck, with bloomers attached? The bottom of the frock is cut in deep scallops, and the bloomers are stitched at the waistline. One steps in this suit and fastens it on the shoulder. A broad sash ties in the back.

Surf satin, extra quality taffeta, satin and gingham are all practical for this type suit. One sees many interesting little gingham suits this season, both in cotton gingham and silk. Not only black and white effects are used, but there is a vogue for red and white checks.

The girl who swims and dives and is of a slim figure will choose a suit like her brother’s, and top it with a tight rubber cap, and sandals. However, this athletic suit is not permitted at all beaches, if worn as it should be without stockings.

The girl who “sits pretty” on the beach will be thrilled with the satin suits that resemble a full blown flower. One suit of daffodil yellow has a snug bodice, and a full skirt, deeply scalloped like petals. The cap is of green and the silk hose and sandals are also of stem green.

There are many unusual suits for those who “don’t go near the water” with fishes, pond lilies, sea plants and mermaids appliqued to them in various colors.

The accessories are important items. There are rubber bathing bags to carry the wet suit in, close caps, fancy rubber hats, sandals, coin purses worn as a garter, pretty frilled rubber garters to hold the hose in place, and attractive bathing wraps.

This photo from about 1920 illustrates the simplicity of bathing suits worn by a few ladies (and lads and gentlemen) at a place called the Judd Hotel in Burnsville. The building looks more like a farmhouse than a hotel, and no beach is in sight. Perhaps the subjects are peering at water behind the photographer, eagerly anticipating a cool dip in Crystal or Alimagnet lake. (mnhs.org photo)

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 2nd, 2006 at 4:18 pm and is filed under Main, Society. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.