Edwardian Striped Cotton Bathing Suit Set, ca. 1910

Two‑Piece Bathing Ensemble in Striped Cotton

This antique Edwardian striped cotton bathing suit set, dating to around 1910, consists of a matching top and shorts — a typical ensemble worn during the rise of modern bathing culture in the early 20th century. Made of sturdy striped cotton, the suit reflects the practical yet modest swimwear styles of the period, when seaside holidays and public bathing facilities became increasingly popular across Europe and North America.

Top and Shorts: Construction and Details

The top features a hook closure at the front and a belt at the waist, providing both structure and adjustability. The shorts fasten with buttons at the waist, a common detail in Edwardian swimwear designed for comfort and secure fit.

Measurements

• Top: 44‑inch chest, 34 inches long, 5‑inch sleeve length

• Shorts: 34‑inch waist, 23 inches long

Early 20th‑Century Bathing Culture

Around 1910, bathing suits were typically made of wool or cotton and were designed to preserve modesty while allowing greater freedom of movement than earlier Victorian bathing costumes. Stripes were a popular decorative element, and two‑piece suits like this one were worn by both men and women during seaside excursions, spa visits, and river bathing. The growing popularity of swimming as a leisure activity led to new designs that balanced practicality with evolving fashion trends.

Condition Report

This bathing suit is preserved in good to very good condition, with only a few small spots — minor signs of age that do not detract from its charm. As an authentic example of early‑20th‑century bathing attire, it offers valuable insight into the social and cultural transformation of leisure, health, and seaside fashion during the Edwardian era.