need help dating swimsuit--1950s?

[persephone60]

I think this swimsuit dates to the 1950s, but it's kind of confusing. It's definitely a 1950s style, and the fabric is high quality (and doesn't feel "new"). It also doesn't have a fabric care tag. But the maker's tag is baffling me--mostly the "medium" written on the tag. Normally, I see numbered sizes on older items rather than "small," "medium," or "large." One more note: the only fasteners are small buttons that attach the halter strap.

Thoughts?

 

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

Here are a couple Etsy listings (not mine) with similar labels to yours:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/532100547/vintage-splash-by-liberty-floral-print?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=liberty swimsuit&ref=sr_gallery_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/530565321/vintage-green-novelty-print-swimsuit?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=liberty swimsuit&ref=sr_gallery_11

The suit is gorgeous! My guess on it's age, based on the "newer" tag style and Liberty's propensity in the past for traditional/"old-fashioned" styling (and I do see 1950s styling), is 1960s but do wait for others with more expertise in this area to chime in!

 

[persephone60]

Thanks! I actually found the top Etsy listing after doing more searching last night (after I made this forum post). You're right that the suits have the exact same style tag. I've actually seen this style tag on a 40s/50s garment before, so I'm still thinking 50s--I was just wondering about the "medium" sizing because I haven't seen that before

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

That is a a cute suit! The style looks more 1950s to me than 1960s. Also, the tag reads "cotton and rubber". I would think that by 1960, Spandex or Lycra would have replaced rubber in most swimsuits.

 

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

Do listen to Barbara, not me, I'm sure she knows a lot more about swimsuits than I do.

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Donna, thanks but I do not think I know all that much about swimsuits! Just I recall seeing a lot of ladies in bathing suits back in the 1950s. Yes, I am THAT old!!!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Agree with Barbara: it's 1950s. She's right about the rubber. More modern swimsuits use synthetics like Lycra.

 

[Pinkcoke]

It's interesting to see such an early use of material content labelling too! I agree with 1950s - the puffball shorts style is quite distinctive to that era.