Jumpsuits & Rompers x Cyclicity

Jumpsuits and rompers (or “playsuits” as the British call them) are a trend that I love to “romp” around in! (Puns for life) Although very similar in style, each has its own individual history – I’ve just decided to cover them together this week because they’ve become so synonymous with each other in contemporary times.

I love me a good jumpsuit – something about the whole look really appeals to me. I actually prefer them to rompers, but I think that has to do more with my preference of wearing pants over shorts. I believe that a good jumpsuit can make anyone look classy, stylish, and elegant, as well as provide a great and more noticeable alternative to a nice dress.

 

The jumpsuit, an all-in-one body garment, was invented in the early 20th century. It was originally used in the military for pilots and parachutists. During World War II, women started wearing utilitarian jumpsuits to work in the factories. In the US, women often wore the now-iconic look of jumpsuits with their hair pinned up under a scarf tied about their head into a turban. Does this remind you of anything? Perhaps Rosie the Riveter? Rosie became a symbol of patriotism used to encourage women to take on wartime jobs.

“Rosie-the-riveter” by SBT4NOW. CC BY-SA 2.0

 

In Britain, the “siren suit” was also born out of wartime necessity. Siren suits (to be worn when the sirens sounded) were one-piece jumpsuits that could be worn over pajamas or nightgowns and zipped up the front. They provided protection from the dirt of the wartime air raid shelters during the Blitz. They also solved the problems of warmth and modesty that were encountered during nighttime air raids. The women’s version was available with fashionable features such as bell bottomed legs, puffed shoulders, and a fitted hood. Pockets were included as well!

“Siren suit: women’s civilian”, courtesy of the IWM.

 

After the war ended, jumpsuits lost popularity until the ‘60s and ‘70s when designers seized the opportunity to add a luxe spin to the one-piece. Floral and paisley designs became especially popular with the hippies of this era. Eventually, like most trends, jumpsuits went out of style in the ‘80s but have now come back in full swing – looks like jumpsuits have become quite cyclical, eh?

“1967 Beauty Ad, Posner’s Bergamot Instant Hair Conditioner, with Floral Jumpsuit Offer” by Classic Film. CC BY-NC 2.0

“1970 Fashion Ad, Vicky Vaughn Jumpsuits & Pantdressing Fashions, Models at Seashore” by Classic Film. CC BY-NC 2.0

 

Rompers/playsuits were originally introduced for children’s wear in the early 20th century. They were popular as playwear for younger children because their light and loose fitting construction made them ideal for movement.

“Romper” by cascade_lily. CC BY 2.0

 

Meanwhile, teens and grown women in the 1940s and ‘50s began wearing playsuits outdoors – either at the beach, as sportswear, or just as casualwear. They continued their popularity through the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s and then resurged again in the late 2000’s. I guess the ‘90s weren’t a fan of the one-piece. Their popularity has not seemed to wane since their re-emergence, as the romper/playsuit has a similar cyclicity to the jumpsuit.

“Un futuro incierto…” by Ubé. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

“1960s playsuit” by Bess Georgette. CC BY-SA 2.0

 

There’s one last thing I’d like to leave you with, my dear readers, and that is this: the “male romper” is stupid and it is not a thing.

Sources: Jonathan Walford, Forties Fashion: From Siren Suits to the New Look (2008); Alex Newman and Zakee Shariff, Fashion A-Z: An Illustrated Dictionary (2009); Akiko Fukai (ed.), Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century (2015); Imperial War Museum; “Stockings & siren suits: 1930s women’s fashion”; “Your Cute, Summer Onesie Has An Apocalyptic Origin Story”; “1940s Playsuits, Rompers & Shorts – History and Photos”; “Jumpsuits & Rompers: A Brief History”.

Check out some of my favorite jumpsuit and romper looks below!