The foundation of 1950s California beach fashion was the structured swimsuit. While prints were common, the plain black bathing suit stood out as a dramatic staple on the sandy shores. These suits used rigid internal construction, often including boning and stiff interfacing, to mold the body into a precise hourglass shape. The fabric of choice was often Lastex, a rubber-based satin that held the figure tight like a corset. This material allowed for a smooth, matte finish that contrasted sharply with the bright sun and white sand.
Rubber Caps and Hair Protection
Because 1950s hairstyles involved complex curls and permanent waves, keeping hair dry was a necessity rather than a choice. Women wore heavy-duty rubber bathing caps to seal out the saltwater. These caps were far from simple utilitarian items. Manufacturers molded the rubber into intricate textures to resemble bubble crepe or covered the surface with three-dimensional rubber petals. Many designs featured a chin strap to ensure the cap stayed secure while swimming in the rough Pacific surf.
Global Influence on Headwear
When not in the water, the rubber cap came off, and dramatic straw hats took its place. Influenced by styles from the Virgin Islands and Hawaii, these hats featured wide brims that acted as personal sunshades. The sheer size of these accessories added a theatrical element to the beach ensemble. The rough texture of the natural straw provided a visual balance to the sleek, smooth fabric of the bathing suits.
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Toweling and Togas
Designers in California experimented with everyday materials to create practical cover-ups. They utilized simple toweling fabric to fashion garments that dried the wearer while looking stylish. One notable example was the salmon pink toga, which draped terry cloth around the body for a look that was both startling and functional. Alongside these innovative wraps, the classic T-shirt became a standard piece of beach attire, transitioning from an undergarment to acceptable casual wear for the boardwalk.
The Riviera Look
European trends also made their way to the West Coast. “Pirate pants,” inspired by the fashion of the French Riviera, offered a chic alternative to skirts or dresses. These cropped trousers ended mid-calf and allowed for easy movement on the beach. They paired easily with the structured swimsuits or the simple T-shirts, creating a versatile outfit for a full day by the ocean.
