Victorian bathing suits are rare but there are pictures and photographs which show the fashion. Many were made of woolen fabrics.

Originally, swimming costumes were made to cover the figure but as time went by bathing suits became less restrictive and clung more to the body.

Below are some examples and price guides of swimwear throughout the years including a Victorian swimming costume and some costumes from the 1940s.

A rare Victorian swimming costume with striped pattern.

Sold for £80 at Hannam’s Auctioneers Ltd in 2017

SILK AND COTTON BATHING SUIT AND OVERDRESS TWO-PIECE ENSEMBLE AND SHOES, black and cream colored, one-piece swimming or beach bathing suit having sleeveless, bloomer styled suit with V-neckline and stripped cuffs, bloused, wide gored seat expands at the hips, snaps and hook and eye closures, with overdress/coverup having wide striped collar and sleeves, snaps and bold mother-of-pearl button closures, original matching high-top bathing shoes having upper linen foundation, covered with matching black and cream colored striped fabric, soft soles with heavyweight woven cotton covering, original laces with steel tips and rivets. Circa 1900.

Sold for US$500 at Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates in 2018

THREE WOOL BATHING COSTUMES, ENGLAND, 1920s

1 navy knit w/ cream borders & applied soutache, unstretched B 33″, W 31″, L 32″, (holes to inseams & left H, minor discoloration, trim detaching) good; 1 teal w/ white & teal diamond motif on skirt, label “Meridian Interlock” & “British Make”, unstretched B 35″, W 30″, L 32″, (discoloration, 5″ light stain below left B, 2 repairs at W) good; 1 black w/ drop W skit in pale blue & white stripe, label “Meridian Interlock” & “British Make Pat No. 20409/08 Extended to 28.8.28″, unstretched B 29″, W 26″, L 34”, (skirt discolored) excellent.

Sold for US$550 at Augusta Auctions in 2022

1930’s red wool stretch knit swim suit with navy blue detail, over shoulder straps that tie in center of back, slight stain at gusset

Sold for US$80 at Denise Ryan Auctions in 2020

TIANA PITTELLE BATHING SUIT, HONOLULU, LATE 1940s

Printed cotton bathing suit c/o bandeau top & high waisted shorts w/ red cotton trim & halter necktie, shell embellished & kapok stuffed mermaid motif to shorts, label “Tiana Pittelle Fashion, Originator Waikiki, Honolulu”, bikini top B up to 54″, Wd1.75″-7″, shorts W 27″, L 14″, inseam 2.25″, (light wear to edges, bones beginning to wear through interior, 0.75″ partially repaired hole right front leg, 0.25″ hole inseam, few clusters of tiny spot stain) good.

Sold for US$325 at Augusta Auctions in 2022

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Necklaces 1940s. Below are some examples of necklaces from the 1940s including a necklace by Alexander Calder and a jadeite necklace by Enos Richardson & Co.

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Utility Clothing. During World War II, severe shortages of commodities including food, clothing, petrol and furniture lead to the issue of ration books to evenly share what was available. Clothes rationing was introduced on 1 June 1941.

Never before in English history had such control been exercised over British manufacturing. A discussion related to the ethical approach to design by British critic J M Richards proposed that regulation of the clothing industry created an “opportunity to instil an appreciation of Good Design in the general population.”

Under wartime emergency powers, by order of the Board, the distinctive ‘CC41’ label was to be printed, stamped or attached next to the manufacturers label to all cloth and ready-made clothing that was produced under the Scheme’s directives. In addition, all utility fabric was given a specification number which related to quality and type of garment it was to be used for. This number stayed with the garment through manufacture and retailing enabling the Board to ensure adherence to its pricing policy.

Initially 60 coupons were allocated for each person; however this was subsequently reduced to 48. The development of a clothing policy allowed for the manufacture of
only utility corsetry which reduced the amount of raw materials used. Austerity measures banned wasteful embellishments such as frills, pleats, decorative ribbons and the inclusion of steel supports was limited.

Rationing continued long after the war ended in 1945. The Utility Scheme aimed at ensuring the production of necessary clothing requirements under price controlled conditions lasted until 1952 and the subsequent controls exercised by the D Scheme over manufacturing and selling continued until 1955. Reference: Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences

The British “Utility Suit” and American “Victory Suit” were both made of wool-synthetic blend yarns, without pleats, cuffs (turn-ups), sleeve buttons or patch pockets; jackets were shorter, trousers were narrower, and double-breasted suits were made without vests (waistcoats). Reference: Wikipedia

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Rationing was in force in the UK so material would often be recycled from other sources and left over material would often be turned into toys for children. Muted shades were popular colors during the 1940’s. After the war more glamorous clothing gradually appeared and beaches in the UK were opened up as many, although not all, were closed during the war so bathing suits were required. Many of these would be hand knitted.

Below are some examples and price guides of vintage 1940’s fashions including a party dress and some bathing costumes.

CITRINE AND DIAMOND BROOCH, CIRCA 1945-50
The floral spray set with vari-cut citrines of orange and yellow tint, accented by old brilliant-cut diamonds, later pin fitting, length 5.0cm

Sold for £5,737.50 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022

GERMAINE LECOMTE FLAMENCO INSPIRED EVENING GOWN, PARIS, LATE 1940s

Flamenco inspired strapless evening gown of black lace over cream silk w/ broad scarlet velvet fitted bodice, shaped hip flounce w/ deep V at CF & CB, floor length full circular skirt w/ appliqued tiered bands of black lace, label “Germaine Lecomte, Paris”, B 35″, W 25″, L 53″-57″, (large broad staining, wear to lace & mesh at hemline, 0.5″ hole right back, zipper tarnished) good.

Sold for US$475 at Augusta Auctions in 2022

Vintage 1940’s Henry Rosenfeld Taffeta & Velvet Party Dress, elbow length sleeves, square neck with black velvet and tassel trim collar, blue plaid taffeta blend, flared pleated skirt, side metal zipper, Approx. 36″ Bust, 27″ Waist, seam repair needed on right upper sleeve

Sold for US$120 at Denise Ryan Auctions in 2022

TWO WOOL BATHING SUITS, LATE 1930s-EARLY 1940s

1 ultramarine blue wool knit w/ ribbed neckline diagonally draped at asymmetrical CF accentuated by pin tucking from right H to right B & extending CF hem, adjustable single SH strap attached to right SH extending through CB channel & over left SH to functional buckle, B 32″-40″, W 25″-30″, L 33.5″, (light wear); 1 yellow knit in stylized diagonal Greek key pattern, tailored B w/ lacing at CF, woven wool patterned SH straps crossed at CB w/ toggle & at either side at back neckline, integrated shorts, B 31″-34″, W 24″-27″, L 31″, (tiny holes, light wear) both excellent.

Sold for US$400 at Augusta Auctions in 2021

Sapphire cigarette case, 1940s

The rectangular case with radiating sunburst design and a cabochon sapphire thumbpiece, measuring approximately 97 x 65 x 15mm.

Sold for £4,788 at Sotheby’s in 2021

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