Mermaids—Past and Present

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22350, 22 February 1936, Page 32 (Supplement)

Mermaids —Past and Present

[special to n.z. herald —copyright]

LONDON. Jan. 10 JN spite of diet charts and slimming exercises there remains a very large proportion of women whose figures are matronly, even though they may still be on the right side of forty. The lure of the beach and the desire for sunbathing is just as insistent with them as with their slimmer sisters; but a great many of them dislike and refuse to wear the abbreviated garments which fashion has introduced for the last few years. Hence I was interested to note at a recent showing of very new beach suits that the wants of the heavier

woman had been catered for in such a way that many of those present preferred them to the scantier garments. First, there was more width and length in the skirts, as you will see by my sketches, and they, were worn over trunk tights made to match. The crossover surplice line, which always has a slimming effect, was used on both bodice and skirt in some models. In others, pleats introduced into the bodice gave a youthful tailored effect. Coat and suit beach ensembles are particularly favoured by the smart woman whose figure has lost its slim lines. She can walk about freely without being conspicuous and can enjoy the same feeling of rest and relaxation that beach clothes induce. Discarding the coat for actual swimming, she finds it useful to slip on at the water's edge, to make a graceful return to the beach hut or dressing-shed. Most of the suits seen were fashioned in wool or silk and wool iersey fabrics. Personally, I think wool the ideal material for all sporting pursuits, however hot it may be. Moreover, woollen materials to-day are so fino and soft that tliey appear as dainty as silk, but they often ward off a chill after strenuous exercise or exposure, and they remain fresh and uncrushed longer than the fascinating cottons which summer seems to call for. Many women wear a rubber brassiere under a beach suit, and this greatly assists in keeping a trim, tailored line. The heavier figure should avoid frills and fluffiness, but it is a mistake to

BEACH SUITS FOR THE OLDER WOMAN

have suits that are tight. This only accentuates an appearance of weight, while an easy-fitting garment with long lines can simulate a slender silhouette. Another factor which is largely responsible for the success of heavier women's clothes is colour. Dark shades naturally reduce the size, but shades of beige that blend in with the landscape of sand and sea are usually more attractive than the popular flamboyant seaside colourings. The ensemble sketched was in honey-beige drawnthread check design woollen fabric, with belt and buttons of brown rubber. The pleated bodice model was in beige woollen with navy spots, and the crossover surplico model in navy blue with white let into the scalloped edges.