1950s Sportswear

Long before the tiki craze hit its peak in the 1960s, Hawaiiana had already stormed the closets of suburbia. Thanks to the souvenirs brought back by servicemen stationed in Hawaii and the South Pacific, a lust for all things Polynesian saw the introduction of loud Hawaiian shirts into the wardrobes of otherwise subdued American men. With a serene kukui nut tree and crane motif against a searing yellow ground, this example ambiguously SHOUTS “relax.” Bright yellow short sleeved button front shirt with point collar and left breast pocket; horizontal rear yoke and Eisenhower pleats at shoulders. Black watercolor kukui nut trees and ochre cranes print...

Pinups rejoice! As cheeky as a Claire McCardell romper and as functional as a traditional swimsuit, this sporty piece is both beautiful and practical. Fetching enough to be painted o...

In mint, unworn condition, this ultra-rare early ranchwear ensemble is a pristine example of the global post-war love affair with the Old West. Straight out of a Dale Evans-Roy Rogers production, this incredible piece of Americana features indestructible heavyweight denim construction, pearl snaps, an Eisenhower-silhouette jean jacket and high waisted, tapered leg jodhpurs. Cowboy boots and neckerchief not included. Happy Trails! Western ranch ensemble including cropped jacket and tapered-leg dungarees. Jacket features spread notch collar and banded waist with front princess seams and double rear gathers each side; mother of pearl snapping breast patch pockets. Snapping mother of pearl front closure and matching single-snap cuffs. Matching tapered leg dungarees with exaggerated hips and wide belt loops; snapping mother of pearl horizontal pockets each hip and rear waist darts. Metal side zipper closure with mother of pearl snap at left waistband; chamois-lined crotch. Both pieces unlined. fabric: heavyweight cotton denim noteworthy: may be gently hand washed in cool water or dry clean only alterations: none condition: mint, unworn measurements: •jacket• collar: 3 ¾” at widest neckline drop: 5” shoulders: 16” sleeve: 22 ¼” from shoulder, 17 ½” from underarm (including 2” cuffs) sleeve circumference: 13” at upper arm, 9” at wrist (snapped closed) bust: 38” waist: 29” (2 ¼” wide waistband) length: 16 ¼” from shoulder, 9 ¼” from underarm •dungarees• waist: 25” (1 5/8” wide waistband) hips: 40” rise: 13 ¾” inseam: 29” length: 42” leg circumference: 24” at upper thigh, 17” at ankle hem: 3” label: Levi...

This two piece 1950s cotton skirt set by Teddy Tinling is playful and unorthodox alluding to tropicana and utility wear with pleasing results. The design...

From its gabardine fabric to its "Drink Double Cola" patch to its embroidered name, this cheerful shirt is a throwback to the best of 1950s popular culture. The bright red and white color scheme practically beg to be worn with a pair of rolled up jeans and saddle shoes. A hipster's dream! Short sleeve bowling shirt with contrasting red spread collar and light gathers at shoulder seams; patch pocket at left breast. Front princess seams with inverse pleats just under bust; rear Eisenhower pleats and straight rear yoke. Embroidered “Lucille” above breast pocket on front and “North” at rear left shoulder; 6 ½” x 10” red embroidered “Drink Double Cola” patch at center back. Red front button closure with additional looping button hidden under collar; unlined. fabric: rayon gabardine, silk floss noteworthy: may be gently hand washed in cool water or dry clean only alterations: none condition: very good with two pinprick holes at left rear waist and another at right (see photos) measurements: collar: 2 ½” at widest neckline circumference: 13” (buttoned to throat) neckline drop: 6” (unbuttoned at throat) shoulders: 15” sleeve: 6” from shoulder, 3” from underarm sleeve circumference: 17” bust: to 40” waist: 36” sweep: 44” length: 21” from shoulder, 12 ½” from underarm label: Ten Strike by King Louie...

Circa 1950 England Elegant skirt suit and Bar jacket in ochre and cream wool by the English brand HEBE sport between 1947 and 1952. BAR fitted jacket molding the hips and pockets a...

Fantastic ladies novelty golf cardigan circa 1950 with embroidered golf themed decals positioned tastefully on the front. The perfect piece for the fash...

Incredible rare 1950s LAS VEGAS SHOWGIRL leotard! Beautiful aqua blue color, with rhinestones of all shapes and sizes throughout! Double strap detail that twists in the back. Perfect...

Lord & Taylor white flannel one piece tennis dress with attached shorts 1950s...You've definitely come a long way baby...From the 1950s a one piece off white wool flannel tennis dres...

Schiaparelli's silk twill men's dressing robe 1950's. The feathered fishing fly is a recurrent Schiaparelli motif in fabrics and buttons appropriated fr...

Tina Leser is famous for pioneering American sportswear. This unworn bathing suit is a great example of her early work. Creamy white linen is embroidered with blue flowers and white ...