In 1920, William Peter Dehen began knitting 100% wool garments, most notably Cardigan Letterman Sweaters, in his Portland, Oregon factory. Searching archives, we uncovered a variety of discontinued sweaters, jackets, and hosiery that have been out of production for nearly 100 years... but one discovery was especially intriguing!
The Dehen Swimming Suit
Advertisements, endorsements, patterns and even photos of what The Portland News would call "The World's Best Bathing Suit."
The Portland News, 1928: Letter from PPS Swimming Instructor M.P. Brisha promoting Dehen swimming suits.
Recommended by the Head Swimming Instructor for Portland Public Schools in 1928, the Dehen swimming suit was praised for its quality, durability, and excellent fit. In this letter of recommendation, the Instructor goes on to say that Dehen's newest "Speed" model boasts beautiful form with a low cut and no seams in the crotch to prevent "bunching and crawling up."
The Morning Oregonian, 1929: Dehen advertisement promoting sweaters and swimming suits
In addition to sweaters, Dehen was knitting and producing high-quality bathing suits out of "pure virgin Oregon wool." At that time, the Dehen Factory was located at 2126 E Stark Street here in Portland and was one of several knitting companies in the Greater Portland Area.
The Dehen family swimming in the mid-1920s - Front row: Bill, William, and Alvira. Back row: Henry and Celia.
After carefully reviewing archival patterns, photos, and reference material from the 1920s... we're proud to bring the Dehen Swimming Suit out of the past and into the present.
We couldn't resist. It's back!
Just like the original Speed Model, today's suit is knit, cut, and sewn from 100% domestic wool here at the Dehen Factory in Portland, Oregon.
Our traditional 4-end jersey knit wool gives this suit its highly touted durability. Unisex in design, the Dehen Swimming Suit can be worn by anyone and everyone who enjoys a leisurely swim or a dive from the 10-meter platform.
"You will be delighted with your Dehen Swimming Suit and after a careful investigation which convinces them the "Dehen," a strictly Oregon product, is of highest quality and sure to give satisfaction to all who take advantage of this proposition.
You are bound to be pleased with your "Dehen" suit." - The Portland Journal, 1928
Stay tuned for more information on how to join the Dehen 1920 "Portland Swim Club."
