Bathing suit

Claire McCardell|Townley Frocks

1945 · wool, rayon, plastic · Costume Institute

McCardell understood the skivvies connection: underwear and swimwear. Using fastenings and jersey material appropriated from underwear, she made her version of the little black dress as a beach outfit. More often, McCardell bathing suites are of cotton stripes and plaids.

Artist

Claire McCardell|Townley Frocks

Date

1945

Medium

wool, rayon, plastic

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. A. Moore Montgomery, 1970