Very Rare 1930s Vintage Rugby Knitting Mills Swim Wear Fish Woven Bottoms / Boys Trunks Swim Briefs
•A collectors dream item•
Made in New York, USA
Fits Modern Women’s Size: S/M
(Or Boys Size: Large/XL)
Color: Off-White w/ Green, Yellow & Orange
Print: Fish Woven Design
Material: (no tag) Feels like Knit/Woven Cotton possibly woven with “lastex” for stretch or Wool/Lastix
Lining: 100% Cotton
- Waist: 25” flat - Up to 30” Stretched
- Hips: 16” flat
- Rise: 12”-13”
- Total Length: 13.5”
Brand: RUGBY Knitting Mills SWIM WEAR of Buffalo, NY
Classic ultra high rise swim bottoms or hot pants with gathered elastic waistband
Excellent vintage condition. These look like they were gently worn and carefully stored for more than 75 years. No rips, tears, holes, or stains. Predates size, material or care tags.
MORE INFO:
These were originally designed as boys swim trunks in the 1930’s but today would be a super cute pair of hot pants for women.
HISTORY:
While the men’s 1920’s swimsuit was a one-piece long tank top over attached shorts, the 1930s embraced the change to two piece swimsuits. The ideal Superman body of the 1930s made a man’s torso something to show off at the pool or beach. “Crab back” tops were cut wide around the neck, arms and waist providing minimal coverage to the chest.
Wide horizontal stripe tops were in colors of brown and yellow, yellow and blue, red and tan, black and gold, blue and white, and green and gray made swimwear stand out on the beach.
In the 1930s, men’s two piece swimsuits were loosing favor. Men were removing the top and wearing only the brief, especially in Europe where modesty wasn’t as serious as it was in America. By the end of the decade retailers were catching on to the trend and selling swim briefs without tops.
