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. 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is on Central Coast

and specifically on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Looff Carousel (a few steps from this marker); Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Boards (within shouting distance of this marker); Magical Merry-go-round (within shouting distance of this marker); Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (within shouting distance of this marker); Burgers at the Beach

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); Beauty and the Beach (within shouting distance of this marker); Boardwalk Goes Hollywood (within shouting distance of this marker); Giant Dipper (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Cruz.

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 835 times since then and 11 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.