Behold B.V.D Slim Trim Swim Suits, control-top swim trunks for the well dressed beach bum of 1941. According to this add, not only do these trunks offer "figure-form control," but they also help "support your muscles, giving greater energy, new pep and vim." You also have to like the three tiers of figure-type design the use the whole military theme - something very topical in 1941.
It's kind of hilarious to think of men, especially the stereotypical, stoic men of the forties being that concerned with their figure, but I guess it goes to show that vanity affects both genders throughout history. I also find it funny that the copywriters managed to use the word vim, not once, but twice. I think vim will be the next word that I rescue from obscurity.
