Knitted Swimming Trunks
Brora Heritage Centre

You can just imagine how heavy they could become when wet. The waist elastic would need to be very strong to keep the trunks in place. Despite the imperfection of the material, knitted swimming trunks and costumes were common due to the natural ‘elasticity’ of knitted wool, making it ideal for close-fitting clothes.

Knitting was a popular and practical hobby and many clothes were made this way. This pair of trunks belonged to the late John Duncan of Brora.