"Bright, Good-Fitting Bathers" (Myer, Spring & Xmas, 1929

Though modest by today's standards, these colourful bathing suits from the Myer catalogue are streamlined and practical.  However, since the lady on the left is wearing a suit made of cashmere, I suspect she wasn't likely to dip it in the sea.

0991—Fine Cashmere.  All-wool BATHING SUIT with plain top and fancy striped skirt.  In assorted colours... Fancy Rubber BATHING CAP.

0992—Gilr's United Style.  All-wool BATHING GOWN: in black, navy and many bright colours.... CAP in smart designs and colours, to tone with gown... COOLIE COATS, in crepe, in floral designs, in bright tonings for maids and children...

There were also a number of brightly coloured capes and bathing wraps advertised in the catalogue. 

0993—BATHING CAPE of floral terry cloth, buttoned at neck and finished small collar... STRAW HAT, covered with floral chaly.

However there were still people (members of an older generation?) who were capable of being shocked by the beachwear of 1929.

From The South Eastern Times of 29 November 1929:

Cr Bennett informed members of the Bright council on Tuesday night that his attention was drawn last Sunday to a party bathing on the beach in costumes, which to say the least, were disgraceful, and certainly not in good taste.  He submitted the following resolution: —"That in the opinion of this council the backless bathing suit now being introduced into this State is immodest and detrimental to the welfare of the town..."  Cr Dewar seconded the motion.  He contended that costumes of such a character offended good taste. "Perhaps in 20 years time such costumes might be all right...  Cr Coventry said he thought it unwise to interfere with the fashions the young people desired to adopt.  "After all—who was offended?"