This vintage men’s swimsuit was made in the 1930s by Montgomery Wards. It is “Permafit Swimwear” made from wool and lastex. It is ribbed and has a draw string waist. There are belt loops for a fairly skinny belt. This pair is stained and has holes- please refer to the pictures.
Waist unstretched (side to side): 15″ (doubled = 30″)
Waist Stretched (side to side) 16″ ( doubled = 32″)
Rise: 13-1/2″
Sides: 8″
Now on eBay! LINK
This vintage men’s swim suit was made in the 1930s by Gatner Wikies, the originators of this type of suit. The patent number on the tag is for a 1932 patent for a very similar pair of trunks- the patent, along with 1930s Gatner Wikies ads showing very similar models to this are below. The suit has a hole just at the corner of the key pocket, and one at the gusset seam- because of the location, I would think a repair would not show too bad. Otherwise, they are in very good shape. They have a flapped pocket, diamond crotch gusset, white belt with a chevron and star buckle. They have a heavy ribbed cotton lining in the front.
Now on eBay! LINK
This vintage cotton gabardine swimsuit was made in the 1930s by Allen-A Life Guard. I’ve attached an ad from 1938 advertising this model. As opposed to the usual elastic or wool construction, these lace up at the hip. They have a round coin pocket. There is some wear and light fading, but these have made it through the past 70+ years remarkably well.
Illustrated by Pin Up artist George Petty
Velva-Lure, Suede-Sheen, and Satin-knit. The Zip-in and the Streamliner
Regimental Stripe – Chromespun/ Lastex
Surf Rider
Polynesian Primitive- matching cabana shirt and trunks
The Clipper (Women’s) Deep V neck, Wool and Lastex in wisp-o-weight
The Zip-Hitch (Men’s) Wool with talon zipper concealed in side piping
The Jantzen “Postage Stamp” made of all-nylon Crinkleastic
laton powered brocade and lastex powered faille.
The early transition from Wool/Lastex to nylon.
Vintage-Haberdashers Blog 