Help dating this 40's? bathing suit

Hi Renee, what an amazing thread you started here- and I love the swimsuit, an the history of it that has been revealed here too!. If it must be washed- I would go old school with this like they would have done back then. Think lux soap flakes in cold water, gently hand washing, rinsing in cold water and drying flat in the shade on a towel, or what we call in Australia '"Wool Wash"' for delicates- again hand washing in cold water etc.
There is quite a market for these kinds of suits I believe- I sold a bulk lot of NOS 30's swim suits last year to a UK buyer but of a different brand, they were made of lightweight wool knit- I think yours is also made of this. Mine were soft but kinda rough to the touch as you have mentioned.
best wishes with this
G

 

I'm with Gayle--a gentle handwashing in Woolite (Wool Wash) or Lux flakes if they even have those anymore! You may need to apply the detergent directly to the most soiled areas and let it soak for just a wee bit.

I don't think, of ot were me, I'd try to remove the paint or whatever it is.... There's a chance you'd end up lifting color from the fabric as well or worse, damage it.

 

Thank you for the tips Gayle and Anne. It appears we don't have Woolite or Lux here so I will look into an equivalent of those