Is is science, or high fashion? This ad from the United States Rubber Company looks like high fashion, but it is really more about science. It advertises Lastex, which, according to the dictionary, is a fiber consisting of rubber surrounded by natural fibers such as cotton, wool, rayon, or silk. We can relate to this technology in today’s world with the brand name spandex.
In the mid-century, man made fibers were solving an assortment of problems. It was helping swimsuit manufacturers build a better swimsuit that we benefit from today. Imagine a Michael Phelps style of swimsuit without a quality elastic yarn such as spandex. Or, in the case of this cool image of a model in a swimsuit — it reminds us why we embrace science that makes our clothing better.
Mid-Century Page 
Pingback: 1953 – Lastex US Rubber – Mid-Century Page