Power of Petites, And the Reduction of Fabric!
As the 1920’s rolled around and the emancipation movement of women grew larger, the swimsuit (one-piece) got smaller, tighter…flirtier, and much barer! It at least, now, resembled a short party dress, which was light years away (no pun intended) from the heavy, lead-weighted, woolen bodysuits. Fashion designers jumped on this concept, and through the 1930’s, we started seeing deeper necklines and a tank style top, paired with tight short-shorts and a belt – another step towards women’s liberation!
In fact, during the mid ‘30’s swimsuits received a new “feel.” California swimsuit designer, “Mabs of Hollywood,” created the first swimsuit made from Lastex (a women satin finish elastic with silk material – this was first used for girdle manufacturing). Her success came by making these swimsuits for legendary actresses, such as: Joan Crawford (who was a petite 5’1”), Loretta Young (Just under 5’4”), and Jean Harlow (who was a very petite beauty at only 5’2
Petite Pin-up Beauties of the Past
During the late ‘30’s through mid ‘40’s, as a result of WWII and the United States government ordering wartime rationing, which included a 10% reduction in women’s beachwear, we saw the original two-piece bathing suit come to life.
You say, “Atome,” I say, “Atoll” – Rival Bathing Suit Designers: Cutting it “Small!”
Post-war calamity slowed everything down, including the sale of swimwear. But in
Although the antecedence of the “bikini” can be established from the Minoan wall paintings from 1600 B.C., as well as Roman mosaics from 300 A.D, our prim and pedantic America dragged its feet and “had a cow” by the scantly-clothed, risqué two-piece swimsuit that hit the U.S. markets in 1947. Americans were curious about this new costume, but shocked by the meager amount of fabric; thus outlawing the bikini in several cities and declaring that this was not appropriate “public attire.” It blows my mind to even think about that, given what we do, say and wear in today’s time.
However, America wasn’t the only nation in prudery – Rome, Italy, Portugal and Spain proscribed the Bikini as well, citing modesty and morality differences, or the lack thereof.
Even Fashion Magazines followed suit and condemned the bikini from the books. It wasn’t until the sexual revolution erupted in the ‘60’s when America finally “got a clue” and realized the sexy two-piece “Bikini” was here to stay! It’s apropo hot petite amazon Raquel Welch ushered in the bikini! Written by: Tana Corporon
“Bathing Suits” -Where They’ve Been, Where They Went, And Where They Are Today!- Part One
Bathing Suit Chronicles: A Petite’s Bathing Suit- Part II
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I am laughing at your terminology with the Itty bitty…I do use it! And crazy how it use to be and glad its come this far baby! What awesome beautiful petites! I adore the pin-up style looks and really liked this article. Thanks again! And for the laugh;)
What a great example of fantast writing and execution in research. I liked that i can come to this website and always find something great to read! This is the best!
Dear Janie — thank you kindly for your post and compliment. I get so excited when I have to research a topic and gather a hoard of information. Now, if I can only learn to write smaller articles, I'll be in great shape, lol! But really, just wanted to tell you how much it means for me, as a contributing writer, to hear that I am pleasing our readers. Thank you so much for your time in posting! Take care!
Ann – great job with the graphics! I love the pictures you chose! Hope you and everyone on Bella Petite has a safe and happy holiday!
Bellapetite.com is the best! I love your articles and everything you do to help petite ladies like ourselves you are the best!