July 1945. 'Bathing trunks and top'. A two colour halter neck top and bathing trunks with a solid colour trim. The top cleverly buttons onto the trunks.
July 1946. 'There's still time'. An all in one swimsuit with a contrast trim around the legs and neck. This is a super stylish yet plain option.
July 1946. A two colour swimsuit and bolero for an 8 year old. These were often referred to as sun suits and seemed to be very popular as I have quite a few patterns for them. They always consist of a swimsuit or trunks with a cardigan or bolero to match.
May/June 1947.
'Sunbathe or swim'. A brassiere top and briefs with contrast colour rope details and straps. Very nautical!
'Swimsuit with a tailored look'. A colour work swimsuit with a fitted mid panel and contrast trim. I wish the picture was in colour.
April 1948. 'Knit for your holidays'. Trunks and a bra top with a zig zag centre panel and twisted rope details and straps. Love that contrast panel.
April 1948. A child's colour work sun suit with a swimsuit and cardigan.
May/June 1948. 'Going to the sea'. A firm halter neck swimsuit in a three colour stitch. I think this one is lovely though I'm not convinced that those straps are up to much.
May/June 1948. Striped trunks with a contrast waist and leg trim.
June 1949. 'Going swimming'. A halter neck, blue and white diagonal stripe swimsuit. This one is very glamorous.
May 1950. 'Beachwear for the family'. Women's trunks and halter neck top. I think this is lovely, again, simple and stylish.
Men's trunks with a contrast trim.
Child's sun suits. Gorgeous picture knits featuring anchors, boats, ducks and fish set within a wave pattern.
June 1950. 'Your swim set'. A top and trunks in a lovely blue and white diamond pattern. This is just fabulous!
June 1951. 'Knitted trunks are best'. Men's trunks, plain colour with a contrast belt.
I couldn't find any more knitted swimsuits for adults past this date in my pattern collection. I am assuming that this coincides with the development and wider availability of manmade fabrics and their use in swimwear. I think these lovely woolly numbers have a distinct style and glamour!
Both of the blue and white ones are absolutely stunning! I'm a bit concerned about that rope detail - it looks ok but you would have to be careful how you sit. I can imagine it being a bit uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteI think that too with regards to the rope detail. I think it would rub too!
DeleteWhite and blue diagonal striped one and the diamond paterned one....Fabulous!! The mens trunks always make me giggle :D
ReplyDeleteThey make me giggle too! The diamond patterned one is pretty special.
DeleteGoing to the Sea is hands down my fav suit, but they are all fab, especially the adorable kids ones.
ReplyDeleteLiz
Going to the sea is gorgeous! I would quite like the kid's sunsuit with the fish and anchors myself!
DeleteThese are some seriously fabulous knitted suits! I'm always a bit afraid of whether they would stretch out of shape. . . but lovely nonetheless!
ReplyDeleteI think that they must bag a bit but they were knitted quite tight to stop stretching. They look marvellous though!
DeleteI love the second image you posted! It feels very sporty with the contrast trim, although I must admit that I might be a little distracted by the amazing styling.
ReplyDeleteThat one is fabulous isn't it?! Sporty and classic.
DeleteHow fabulous! There's so much to adore here, but I think my very favourite is the one with nautical inspired "rope" details. Sooo chic!
ReplyDeletexoxo ♥ Jessica
It is very nautical chic isn't it?!
DeleteGreat pictures. I wonder how many people went swimming in them and how much they stretched? I think those gals look great, but you'd for sure have to have zero flab. hee hee hee
ReplyDeleteThey were knitted in quite a tight stitch to help make them firm but I think there must still have been some stretch. Maybe they were more for posing then swimming!
DeleteGreat
ReplyDelete