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.
Tag Archives: beach
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Waist unstretched (side to side): 15″ (doubled = 30″)
Waist stretched(side to side): 17.5″ (doubled = 35″)
Rise: 13″
Sides: 9-1/2″
1930s Lace Up Allen-A Lifeguard Swim Suit
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.
Marked size: 30
Waist minimum size (side to side): 14″ (doubled =28″)
Waist maximum size (side to side): 14-3/4″ (doubled = 29-1/2″)
Rise: 11.5″
Side: 6.5″





























