Bathing Suit

PeriodCirca 1960

Place MadeLos Angeles, California, U.S.A.

MediumCotton, elastic, nylon, steel zipper and hooks and eyes

Dimensions30 × 28 in. (76.2 × 71.1 cm)

SignedThe bodice includes a tag reading "Rose Marie Reid / 16" sewn into the side seam, indicating maker and size.

ClassificationsCostume, Women's

Object number2023.507

DescriptionA woman's two-piece bathing suit, consructed of woven lightweight cotton in a bright print of hot pink and white stylized floral bands. The upper portion of the suit has a fitted bodice with cup style bra support in white nylon with elastic underbanding, piped waist seam, and flared mini skirt ending at upper thigh, with two finished side seam slits. The bodice closes with a back zipper and inner hooks and eyes. Two pairs of narrow piping straps in pale pink are sewn to front and back of the suit, but can be tucked or folded into the bodice to appear as a strapless bodice. The matching underpants are constructed in a bloomer or "bubble" style, with elastic waistband and legs, and a hook and eye rear waistband closure. Bodice and underpants are attached via a narrow elastic strap.
Curatorial RemarksWith the advent of the seaside as a popular vacation destination in the 19th century, women's early swim suits were made of multiple concealing layers, usually including loose-fitting bloomer-style pants or leggings, a blouse or bodice that ended at the knees, stockings, and "swimming shoes," topped with a cap to protect the hair. All parts of the outift were usually constructed of wool. By the late 19th century, swimsuits were usually constructed of knitted wool for both men's and women's garments in dark shades of gray, navy blue, and black. Rose Marie Reid approached swimwear as another avenue for fashion expression. Her suits transformed the entire concept of beachwear into garments that were attractive, stylish, and helped enhance the wearer's figure.NotesSwimsuit designer Rose Marie Reid was born Rose Marie Yancy in Alberta, Canada, in 1906. Her mother, Marie Hyde Yancy, was a seamstress and clothing designer who taught Rose Marie her sewing skills. In 1916 the family moved to Idaho. As a young woman, Rose Marie moved to Oregon and opened a beauty salon. That same year, she married artist Gareth Rhynhart. The couple divorced in 1935. Rose Marie married again just a few months later. Her second husband, Jack Crossman Reid, was a swimming instructor and operated a swimming pool. Rose Marie became interested in designing practical, attractive swimsuits with real style and detailing and began a small swimwear company in 1936, naming it "Reid's Holiday Togs Ltd." Reid had 16 employees and the company made $10,000 in its first year. In 1946, Reid divorced her second husband but kept his surname, and moved to Los Angeles, California, where she started her American-based business, naming it "Rose Marie Reid, Inc." Reid's innovative approach to swimsuit design made her suits stand apart from the usual shapeless knitted wool suits. Reid introduced built-in cup bras, construct swimsuits using dress sizing, girdle style stomach panels for shaping and control, elastic in leg bands to prevent shifting or riding up, and attractive fabrics in all colors and patterns. Reid applied for and received several patents for her designs and construction. Reid opened sales offices in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami, London, Amsterdam, and Paris. She traveled extensively for her firm, and is believed to be the first American woman to rack up 500,000 air travel miles. Reid won numerous awards as well. In 1955, she was named one of Ten Women of the Year by the Los Angles Times, and in 1958 Sports Illustrated awarded her swimwear the "Sporting Look of the Year Award." From her first company's modest beginnings, Rose Marie Reid Inc. grew to employ hundreds of workers and by 1951 the company was grossing $3.5 million. In 1959 the factories in Canada and America were turning out 10,000 swimsuits a day. Reid's swim suits were popular in Hollywood, earning even more attention and popularity. Stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell were photographed in Rose Marie Reid bathing suits. Rita Hayworth wore a Rose Marie Reid gold lame swimsuit in the movie "Gilda." Reid left her company in 1963 over design conflicts, and settled in Provo, Utah to be near her family. Reid was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and assisted in fundraising for the group, even redesigning worship wear. Reid also supported Brigham Young University for many years. Reid died in 1978 at the age of 72.