ARCHIVE - 1900s Edwardian Navy and Cream Cotton Bathing Suit
Circa 1900, this original bathing suit is composed of two separate garments; a high-waisted skirt and romper-style playsuit. It would have been traditionally worn with the skirt over the romper. Many of the designs, often home sewn or dressmaker made from available sewing patterns, referenced naval styles and were fashionable for bathers from the late 1880s through to around 1910.
The ensemble is crafted from deep navy cotton and features nautical cream stitching running in stripes along the cuffs and collar of the romper and on the waistband and bottom hem of the skirt. The romper has a wide sailor collar alongside puff-sleeves and short bloomer leggings with gathered hems. There is a V-shaped modesty panel which nestles between the collar with an inverted chevron design which attaches to one side with a row of hidden buttons. The pleated skirt has a high waistband and fastens in a wrap-around design with a snap closure and two buttons.
A rare survivor of period clothing that is in superb antique condition for being over a century old; she is without fault. A very well made, machined and unlabelled piece, there is virtually no sign of any wear with the fabric still very fresh looking. There is no evidence of repair, darned fabric or alterations, no fade and buttons are original. The elastic in the sleeves and bloomers has evidently been replaced at some point and the new owner may choose to have this refreshed. Robust and very wearable, the ensemble will fit modern sizes up to a UK 10-12 or US 6-8. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4 in (163 cm), this ensemble was roomy on her.
We are pleased to have referenced this exact design in the first of our historical reference photos dated 1896. The other two photographs are wonderful candid shots from the early Edwardian period circa 1905.
Romper
Bust - 40 in. (102 cm)
Waist - 28 in. (71cm)
Hip - 42 in. (107 cm)
Length - 43 in. (109 cm)
Skirt
Waist - 36 in. (91 cm)
Hip - 52 in. (132 cm)
Length - 27 in. (69 cm)
Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE
F.A.Q.
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Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear. You may also wish to bring favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying-on, or gold and silver. We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look. Many of which are also for sale.
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What is archival fashion?
Archival fashion refers to historically significant designer garments preserved for their cultural, aesthetic, or technical importance. At Circa, archival fashion includes couture archive pieces, runway garments, early designer work, and museum-quality vintage that document the evolution of fashion history.
How is archival fashion different from vintage?
While vintage typically describes clothing over 20 years old, archival vintage is selected for its rarity, provenance, and relevance to a designer’s archive or fashion history. Circa specialises in archival pieces rather than general vintage.