Dorothy Lamour as Aloma in 'Aloma of The South Seas' Designed by Edith Head

Two piece sarong consisting of [499A] strapless sarong of fuchsia silk with pale green tropical foliate print; hook and eye and snap closure that begins at center back down to gathered proper left hip and to inside right hip (Paramount label inscribed "Dorothy Lamour"). [499B] A pair of matching silk shorts with back zipper closure (Paramount label inscribed) "Dorothy Lamour".

In a Glamorous Fashion"," Robert Laine"," Charles Scribner's Sons"," 1980"," pg. 77 (photo).

When it was decided to dress Dorothy Lamour, The Jungle Princess, in sarongs, designer Edith Head tried to design them authentically, but, authentic sarongs often didn’t cover the breasts and this would never make it past the sensors. They were also traditionally a piece of wrapped floral printed cotton tied with several strategic knots. But, the cotton fabric didn’t drape well so with was replaced with satin crepe which did. Just knotting the fabric also didn’t work when in one early scene with the character entered a pool of water, the costume floated to the surface. So the costumes were either sewn on or (as with this costume) secured with multiple hook and eyes and snaps. The matching undershorts were devised by Head to assure there would be no accidents which could cause problems with the sensors. The style instantly effected the bathing suit industry.

Even though Dorothy Lamour, who had insecurities with her body, was not fond of the costume she was forced to wear in eight of her more than fifty films, it was because of this costume she is most remembered and elevated her to the role of one of the most recognizable pin-up girls of WWII.