Typical of women’s swimming costumes of the 1940s, this swimsuit is made of floral cotton and fully lined. It has a halter neck, gathered front panels, partly shirred back and gathered pant with elastic legs which no doubt filled with water whilst swimming. In 1923, Port Macquarie Municipal Council placed notices in the local paper and in bathing sheds reminding bathers to wear ‘proper costumes’ on the beach. Several local stores sold bathing caps, costumes and sandshoes so there was no excuse for wearing inappropriate swimming attire.