The Zandvoorts Museum has added a unique one-piece women’s bathing suit to its collection. The red swimsuit with white polka dots, worn by Maya van Beuningen, originates from the estate of the Van Beuningen family and was donated by an anonymous benefactor. The swimsuit is now on display in the Spotlight in the main hall.
The suit is designed in a tunic style with integrated knee-length legs and a straight silhouette. A ruffle finish has been applied to the bottom of the straight legs. The square neckline and short sleeves align with the modesty standards for swimwear around 1900. The bodice features subtle decoration and fastens at the shoulder with a button.
This type of bathing suit was worn at seaside resorts and bathing establishments, offering freedom of movement in the water while keeping the body largely covered.
Material: cotton; thread
Technique: machine-stitched, partly hand-finished
Color: red with white polka dots
Acquisition: from the Van Beuningen family estate (anonymous donation)
Swimwear around 1900 was often made of wool jersey or sturdy cotton and was either locally made or purchased as ready-to-wear. This one-piece model with legs was common in Dutch seaside resorts such as Zandvoort — a carefully crafted garment for a respectable dip in the sea.