The first bathing suit may have been an old smock resembling that of abathing gown.? These suits were far from sensible or convenient. Some women even took the precaution of sewing lead weights into the hem of thebathing gown? to stop the outfit from floating upward and revealing her legs (1). Bloomers and stockings were what the swimsuit consisted of in the early 1850s. Drawers were added in 1855 to prevent overexposure (History of Swimwear 2). Most women know that if used properly, even a 19th century full body swimming dress could be even more provocative than nudity. In 1856, a day of bathing could be described as females not wandering past the surf. They would lie on their .
Prosch 3.
backs, waiting for incoming waves. The waves would come and usually, not only cover the women, but also raise their dresses up to their neck. They might as well have been without a dress, as far as decency is concerned. All this happened in the presence of thousands of people (Johnson 2-3). .
By the 1880s the Princess style was presented, it consisted of a blouse and trousers all in one piece. In addition, an additional skirt fell just under the knee to hide the figure. To complete the outfit was a ruffled cap or a straw hat (History of Swimwear 2). In the middle of the 1880s, bathing became thought of as a recreation whereas before it had been just a therapeutic device. The early 1800s noted the start of a revolution in swimwear when Americans swarmed to the beaches for water recreation. Technological innovations like the railroad made public beaches more convenient for vacations. The time was keen for changes in women's swim wear because of increased recreation time and a better economic state. People herded to the beach for well-known seaside activities such as swimming, surf bathing, and diving. The need for a special outfit to participate in these activities was crucial (History of Women's Swimwear 1).
