Figure 1.--Here we see an Italian family at the seaside in 1919. The photograph was taken in Santa Margherita Ligure, near Genoa. It was sent as postcard on September 4, 1919. It shows a mother with her three children. The boy is wearing a white sailor suit. The girls are wearing white dresses. They are probably on summer holidays. The father probably is taking the photograph, but there were also photographers at the resorts. We can assume that is a quite wealthy family (or upper middle class).

We have only limited information on Italian beachwear. A in other countrues, people commonly dressed up even at beach resorts. We do not see, however, nearly as many images of people wearing heavy suits to to beach. Of course the climate must have been a factor as Italy is much warmer than northern Europe. White sailor suits were very popular for boys in the early 20th century. White summer dresses were commonly worn by girls. Over time beachwear became increasingly more casual.in the early 20th century. Bathing costumes were similar to those wirn elsewhere in Europe. They were often done in wool. Horizontal stripes were very popular for beachwear. I believe it was seen as nautical. Italy was a poor country and many children could not afford actual bathing suits.

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Created: 7:14 PM 1/21/2007
Last updated: 7:14 PM 1/21/2007