Objects of Substance- Shirley Lahey Togs

The evolution of the Grammar swimwear is linked with the development of women’s swimming fashion transitioning from “neck-to-knee” style of costume to the one piece in the 1920s, which took inspiration directly from the men’s swimsuits. These bathing suits had a short leg and a racerback and were originally made of wool. Try swimming in those! The 1930s saw the invention of Lastex, which was yarn covered in rubber and used in women’s undergarments. This made swimwear more comfortable and created less drag in the water. In 1928, the style for the competitive swimwear was the racerback created by Speedo – then known as Fortitude. Shirley Lahey’s 1939 togs are a Speedo product. However, there is now no evidence left of that “modern” Lastex finish.

Shirley Lahey’s swimwear (detail)

What is obvious is the large School badge sewn onto the back of the togs. These cloth badges were screen printed onto white material, cut out, and then sewn onto the swimming togs to identify the swimmers when they were in the water competing. [Backstroke would have posed a problem!] Shirley Lahey attended Girls Grammar from 1939 to 1940. In her IV Form year (Year 10), she represented the School swimming in the Junior Brockway Cup in 1940, swimming in these very togs. Shirley with her teammates placed third behind Somerville House and St Margaret’s.