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]
posted by shinything 19 years ago
  • 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