Girl's Bathing Suit
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1891-1910
MediumMachine-stitched wool/cotton, elastic, gutta percha buttons, non-ferrous metal hooks and eyes
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width between shoulders): 31 3/4 x 13in. (80.6 x 33cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
DescriptionGirl's bathing suit of blue wool/cotton (the cotton is darker than the wool, giving the fabric a chambray appearance). The suit has a square neckline bordered with triple rows of top stitching, and three embroidered white stars at each corner. There are pleats at each shoulder, which are also top-stitched in white. The short, puffed sleeves are gathered into the armscye and gathered on elastic within a casing 1 1/4 inches above the arm opening, creating a self-fabric ruffle. The bodice is gathered into the the 1 1/2-inch-wide waistband, which is also top-stitched. The bloomers are gathered into the waistband, and the leg openings are elasticized. The bathing suit opens along the left side, hidden under a pleat at the shoulder and continuing down to the waistband. The waistband and bloomers open 2 1/2 inches farther to the left. The opening fastens with a combination of buttons and hooks and eyes. The bodice and bloomers are made of two slightly different colors of fabric.
Object number1986.238.0
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