swimsuits

Following the First World War, women’s swimwear trends began to differ across continents. In America and Europe women wore knitted swimwear which replaced the bathing suit, however there were slight tweaks depending on where you lived. In America, women favoured a practical and sporty look whilst European women opted for sleeker swimsuits which cut closely to the body. Another key difference between the two fashion trends was that women’s swimsuit fashions were accessible to a very large middle class in America, whereas in Europe there were clear class divisions on what women could or could not afford to buy for wearing to the beach. An affluent woman could set herself apart by wearing a silk jersey swimming suit, instead of a knitted one (Kidwell). Kennedy reiterates this when she wrote: “Both sides of the Atlantic favored the practical one-piece ‘maillot’, but in France, the costume’s legs were shorter in length, the knitted rib work was more finely woven and the decoration was kept to a minimum.” (34) Whilst the maillot costumes worn by women were improvements on what they had to wear before the turn of the century, they still had their impracticalities. Due to the materiality of the garment, the knitted swimsuits tended to become misshapen when wet. The fabric absorbed a great deal of water resulting in the elongation and sagging of the swimsuit. These issues often jeopardized the modesty of women’s swimsuits which concerned inter-war society. Source: fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/a-history-of-womens-swimwear/

I remember, as a child, digging down in the sand in Skerries (perhaps 65 years ago). Obviously not digging far, but hitting a layer of black stuff. My parents told me it was oil. It had a very particular smell. I still remember it. I still wonder what it was. It happened more than once.

The answer, according to A.I.:

The Science Behind the 'Black Oil' Layer

The Lack of Oxygen (Anoxia): On popular beaches like Skerries South Beach or North Strand, the top few inches of sand are constantly turned over by waves and the tide, keeping them well-oxygenated and clean. However, just a short distance below the surface, the tightly packed sand particles block fresh water and oxygen from penetrating.

Decaying Organic Matter: Over time, bits of seaweed, marine organisms, and organic silt get buried under the shifting sand. In an environment devoid of oxygen, normal decomposition cannot happen. Instead, specialized anaerobic bacteria take over to break down this organic material.

The Chemical Reaction: These bacteria "breathe" sulfates (which are abundant in seawater) and exude iron sulfides. It is this iron sulfide that dyes the sand grains a deep, jet-black color and gives it a slick, greasy texture that looks identical to oil.

Boo hoo! The Tower Tearooms and The Tuck Shop are no more ...
In February (brrr!) 2023 via Paul McNamara [https://www.flickr.com/photos/pauljmcnamara/52713096446/]

Red Island again

This Faecsbook page reckons "circa 1928" - www.facebook.com
Includes another Eason near the tower with a motor car - catalogue.nli.ie

Several of the young ladies are wearing Jantzen swimsuits.