Bathing Cap

Maker Kleinert's

Periodcirca 1960

MediumRubber, latex, nylon

Dimensions5 × 5 × 4 in. (12.7 × 12.7 × 10.2 cm)

SignedThe cap retains its original maker's tag reading "Kleinert's."

ClassificationsAccessories, Women's

Credit LineGift of Marie Campbell, 2007

Object number2007.14.2

DescriptionA woman's swimming cap or hat of bright clear orange latex, with woven nylong fabric tightly ruched along the front of the cap to create rows of ruffles. An additional nylon panel is sewn and gathered towards the back of the cap, stretched and sewn to a circular form to create a "bun" effect at the very back of the cap. Nylon velvet ribbon is tied around the form in a bow.
Curatorial RemarksThis bright and charming swimming cap was made by Kleinert Rubber Company. The company's founder, Isaak Kleinert, began his firm in 1869 in College Point, New York. Kleinert was both inventor and merchant, and introduced shower curtains, waterproof baby pants, shower and bathing caps, dress and garment shields and much else. By the 1930s, Kleinert's had facilities in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia. In World War II, the company supplied the United States Air Force with rubber rafts for their planes. Kleinert's is still in business, privately owned and offering a wide variety of items on their website.

Collections