July 24, 2005
The History of the Fashion Bathing Suit
Bathing is a sport
Enjoyed by great and small
In suits of any sort
Though better none at all
[Anonymous, 19th-century poem]
Very interesting, covers from 1797 to 1920's.
Did people bathe before 1797?
People made rude rhymes before 1797. If that's any help.
"Did people bathe before 1797?"
Romans.
Which is why the Romans invented the bikini.
(this is true as it is depicted on at least one Pompeii mural, IIRC)
The fourth is its fondness for bathing-machines,
Which is constantly carries about,
And believes that they add to the beauty of scenes—
A sentiment open to doubt.
I can't imagine it would be comfortable or desirable to go swimming in yards of heavy wet flannel. Yick!
This was good reading, shinything. =)
Wrong, YLGF, that wasn't a bikini, it was the official uniform of the Pompeiian Fire Department
I like the idea of mobile changing rooms drawn out to the ocean, and the 1910/1915 suits. Nice link.
. . . depicted on at least one Pompeii mural, IIRC)
Wikipedia's bikini entry seems to confirm your recollection, with images of murals depicting bikini-clad female athletes
Pushing the limits of ladylike behavior. A study in illustrations.
Hello! Hello! Who's your lady friend?
Who's the little girlie by your side?
I've seen you with a girl or two.
Oh! Oh! Oh! I am surprised at you!
Hello! Hello! Stop your little games.
Don't you think your ways you ought to mend?
She isn't the girl I saw you with at Brighton.
Tell me, who, who, who's your lady friend?
-- old music hall song
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