Swimming pools and beaches were common places for mid-century families to spend time in hot weather. The 1950s was a time before most folks had air conditioning. A community pool was a great way to get out of the heat. In those days, swim caps were used by most women. It helped keep hair in tact and helped keep the pool sanitary.
As a kid growing up in the 1960’s I remember the rule at the community pool. If you want to swim, you must cover your hair with a swim cap.
Like most items for women in the 1950s, styling was important, even in the water. If you are going to wear a swim cap, why not wear a cool one. I think the above ad for Kleinert’s swimming cap qualifies as cool. It comes with a matching bag. Yes please.
They keep you chic in the water . . . and sleek when you “land”
Kleinert’s swim cap ad – 1956
Note the woman in the swim cap in the top right. Her swim cap has a chin strap and is topped with a flower. Very fifties! It sold in the 1950’s for $1.69. The fancy pink one with floral embellishments sold for $8.95. The matching bag was bound in plastic. It’s price? $5.95.
Swim Caps Today
You might wonder how common swim caps are in today’s world. Very common. Here’s a snippet of what I found with a quick Google search. These are used by athletes and swimmers at the gym.
I also found a pink one similar to the 1956 version.
Here’s another version of a cute swim cap featured in 1950’s and 1960’s women’s magazines. This one comes from the May 1961 edition of McCalls magazine.
Find more about this swimming suit and swimming cap from an earlier post.
Mid-Century Page 
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