BACKLESS SURFING COSTUME.

Shannon News, 12 November 1929, Page 4

BACKLESS SURFING COSTUME.

SYDNEY'S LATEST SENSATION. STORM OP CRITICISM RAISED. SYDNEY, October 25. Fashion's latest decree, the backless surfing- costume, made its first appearatn'ee on Sydney beaches during last week-end. The debut has. raised :i storm of criticism and praise from various quarters. Together with the backless costume has come a host of new surfing costumes, beach wraps, pyjamas, dressing tents and other surfing accessories, wMch have turned Sydney's surfing beaches into replicas of the Lido.

The backless costume has caused a sensation. . Several cour.edls have definitely banned the wearing of it, while others have expressed jio opinion at all, leaving any decision to the discretion of the beach inspectors. Two of three beach authorities have do&lared themselves in favour of the innovation. These actions have had the effect of drawing away from and to those beaches where the more bizarre costume ideas src in vogue. Balmoral Beach, one of those beaches where fhe backless costume is tolerated, was crowded on Sunday last, and may wearers of the new costumes were in evidence. Ainother new idea which has invaded Sydney beaches is the weaving of the sliady sombreros and the colourful be'ach pyjamas. Out sizes in sombreros have already made their appearance among.women bathers, soma of the sombrero rims measuring 36in. frcrn the crown to the outside rim. They are made in all shades of the rainbow, and have introduced a distinct colour note to the beaches.

The pyjamas have made, their appearance on many beaches in consequence of the ban on sun-bathing and lying on the sand in bathing costume alone. These pyjamas, also executed in many variegated co-lours, are also introducing a brighter note on the sands. .