Pre-1920s Wet Wool Bathing Suits

[yellow_fever_01]

Before Jantzen Corporation invented a fabric specifically designed for swimsuits (and also invented the term swimsuit), women and men wore woolen 'bathing costumes" that would cling to the body when wet. Are there any more examples such as these two photos? I am specifically looking for wet suits that are clinging to the female wearers' bodies.

[yellow_fever_01]

A group of women on a New Jersey beach were arrested in 1920 (presumably for indecent exposure). They don't look too distressed, so this could be a staged event.

[yellow_fever_01]

Two women wearing 1920s bathing costumes.

[yellow_fever_01]

Are why I find this theme interesting.

[burger1701]

Originally Posted by yellow_fever_01

A group of women on a New Jersey beach were arrested in 1920 (presumably for indecent exposure). They don't look too distressed, so this could be a staged event.

Not a genre i'd considered before, but there are definitely some nice curvy figures on display.

[yellow_fever_01]

Shirley Mason & Viola Dana - Two silent film actresses surfing in California circa 1926

[yellow_fever_01]

as having been taken on a French beach in 1925. Photographer was Helene Roger-Viollet.

[yellow_fever_01]

The 1912 Stockholm Olympics was the first time that women swimmers were allowed to compete.

[brunettesrule]

Originally Posted by fitne

allowed to wear suits, I don't remember seeing one that went full monty.

That is just crazy. I've definitely heard that long ago, male swim classes were mandatory naked, but have never heard of mixed-gender classes where the women were swimming with naked guys. Literally the first I've heard of this.

[yellow_fever_01]

I once read an article (no pictures) about Germany during the time around the First World War. The author was telling of a picture that he had seen of German military cadets having a swimming competition nude. The audience included the wives of the academy instructors.