"Shouldaire"

Jantzen

ca. 1931 · wool · Costume Institute

John and Roy Zehntbauer and Carl C. Jantzen founded Jantzen in Portland, Oregon in 1910 producing wool sweaters and hosiery. They developed their first bathing suit in 1913, in response to a request from the Portland Rowing Club for trunks without a drawstring. The innovative design was achieved by using knitting machines for sweater cuffs. The greater elasticity of Jantzen’s rib-knit suit provided both modesty and freedom of movement. In 1931, Jantzen introduced the “Shouldaire”. The suit concealed a tie at the neckline that allowed the wearer to drop the shoulder straps while sunbathing.

Artist

Jantzen

Date

ca. 1931

Medium

wool

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Mary Elliott, 2013