SOPHISTICATION FOR THE SANDS

Evening Star, Issue 20996, 9 January 1932, Page 21

SOPHISTICATION FOR THE SANDS

WHAT IS NEW IN BATHING APPAREL Once upon a time, when the summer surfing season commenced, it used to be the custom for those who were fitting themselves out with bathing necessities to choose clothes which were adapted to water only. A costume, a good heavy towelling robe, a cap, and a pair of canvas shoes seemed all that was necessary. Strange how the collecting of a few essentials has evolved into the assembling of an extensive wardrobe. The art, or pastime, of swimming and surfing is still the same. The water is neither colder nor the beach warmer than it used to be. The only difference is that sunbathing has grown to be by far the most important phase in beach clothes. And, as always when simple utility is not the first essential demanded when choosing any outfit in the department of dress, woman has allowed her imagination to find expression in a parade of fashion. The summer season abroad found the jersey suit considered a smarter choice than even the most attractive novelties in cottons _ and linens, though linen now comes in for the shoes and fanciful accessories. The linen shoes and sandals are so attractive that they can be worn on many other occasions with cotton frocks, as well as for the beach. Bolero and cape influences have crept into the sea ensembles. A pyjama suit of white jersey is very smart with a belt, beret, and bolero of black linen. Shorts in scarlet jersey have a white linen blouse with red monogram and a “ monkey ” jacket of the scarlet, with a big white linen hat. Jack Tar trousers of royal blue crash cloth look well with a mess jacket of the same, and a large hat with a sailor blouse of white. The many inexpensive and colourful cretonnes seem to be a popular choice with young people.* Some of the newest floral designs are very pretty, and the colours are much less crude than they used to be. Brightly-coloured tussores and Shantung are among the more highly-priced, but equally serviceable, garments of this description. It is a simple matter to choose bathing suits and accessories to match this season,, for the manufacturers are taking care to make caps, belts, and even surf shoes of the same or matching materials. Tho suits in nearly all cases are of two or three shades of tightfitting jersey material. Quite the newest style _in bathing caps is one of rubberised jerseys made on the simplest of lines. These can be obtained in any colour or size, and no bathing suit seems complete without one. Heavy weave linen or light canvas belts embodying the colours seen in the suit and finished with a smart metal buckle are also considered necessary to complete the smart effect. Still another item which many sun bathers add to their collection of beach accessories is a folding cushion of cretonne or linen to match their pyjamas. These are equipped with large pockets on each side for carrying bathing suit and towel, and some have tiny coloured sunshades to match.

This year bathing suits seem simpler and plainer by contrast with garments that are never to feel the water. In every case the smartest choice is that of a quiet suit, but with all the etceteras of a particularly gay character. A bathing suit in white jersey, for example, has a belt and necklace of turquoise blue wool and rubber. The belt fastens with a clasp of red, white, and blue linen, which three colours are repeated in the sandals. The large rubber ball or “ animal ” is equally gay. The pyjamas, or the three-quar-coat, and the shady hat are of turquoise and white spot cotton mixture.