Advertisement for bathing costumes by George Brettle & Company Ltd of Belper, textile manufacturers

Page from George Brettle & Company Ltd's "Oberon price list" with illustrations of typical bathing costumes for men, women and children in the late 1920s-early 1930s. Unlike bathing suits of the later 20th century, all these cover the torso and upperthighs. They are also woollen as indicated by the section of the price list in which they appear "Fancy Knitted Goods".

George Brettle and Co Ltd, hosiery manufacturers, can trace its origins to c1760 when it is believed John Ward began production at Belper. The firm was known as Ward, Sharp and Co between the years 1801-1803, becoming Ward Brettle and Ward in 1803, George Brettle and Co in 1834 and George Brettle and Co Ltd in 1914. In 1964 the company was bought out by Courtaulds Ltd, which in turn was taken over by Chilprufe Brands Ltd in 1997. Whilst owned by Courtaulds, Brettles became the Group's main hose production unit. Production was mainly based at Belper, whilst commerce was concentrated in London from as early as 1801. Enemy action during the Second World War forced the company to consolidate its activities at Belper.