Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Fickle Fashion
From Bloomers and Black Stockings to Baggies and Bikinis
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 8, 2013
1. Fickle Fashion Marker
Photo captions, left side, top to bottom:
The Age of Modesty, Early 1900s. Bathing costumes were large neck-to-knee garments, heavy and highly impractical when wet; Swimmers Get More Daring, 1920s – ‘30s. Men and women wore wool tank suits with mid-thigh length undershorts. In the 1930s, cotton replaced wool, making swimming safer; Using Less Fabric, 1940s – ‘50s. Women’s two-piece bathing suits became acceptable in the 1950s as long as they covered the navel. Men’s trucks were short and form fitting; Liberating the Body, 1960’s – ‘70s. The bikini meant new freedom for women. Lycra and nylon trucks called “baggies” became fashionable for men; Freedom to Choose, 1980s to today. Bathing suits have gone about as far as they can. Now beach-goers can enjoy the freedom to chose their own style.
Center photograph: Faye Lanphier, Miss America 1925.
Inscription.
Fickle Fashion. From Bloomers and Black Stockings to Baggies and Bikinis. At the turn of the century, lounging couples covered the beach much as they do today. But the women were fully dressed, and men wore hats and coats. Laws prohibited sitting on the beach in bathing attire. Today, from bikinis to tankinis, women’s beachwear stresses comfort and individuality. The popularity of the local surf culture makes baggy “board shorts” the most popular choice of men’s swimsuits.
At the turn of the century, lounging couples covered the beach much as they do today. But the women were fully dressed, and men wore hats and coats. Laws prohibited sitting on the beach in bathing attire.
Today, from bikinis to tankinis, women’s beachwear stresses comfort and individuality. The popularity of the local surf culture makes baggy “board shorts” the most popular choice of men’s swimsuits.
Erected by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music.
Location. 36° 57.853′ N, 122° 1.034′ W. Marker is in Santa Cruz, California, in Santa Cruz County. Marker can be reached from Beach Street. This marker is opposite Looff's Carousel, facing the beach. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. This marker is located on the grounds of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 8, 2013
2. Fickle Fashion Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 595 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 25, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.