Contemporary Descriptions of Ladies' Bathing Costumes arranged chronologically This page is still under construction.

Bathing Dresses.

 

Fig. 1: 9299, in tucked style, with yoke.
Fig. 2: 9299, in shirred effect with fancy collar.
Fig. 3: 9309, with shield and sailor collar.

Figures 1 and 2: Princess effects are apparent even in bathing dresses, and a particularly charming mode is here portrayed in checked Japanese silk trimmed with plain satin bands, and in plain cashmere with black and white accessories. The knickerbockers are separate, and are of the usual formation, with darts and a shallow box-plait at the back removing all fullness from about the waist. Draw-strings or elastics are used for securing the legs at the lower edge.
 
The seven gores which shape the skirt continue to form the waist, and gathers or shirrings adjust the slight fullness at the top where a band or a fancy collar provides a finish. Shirrings or fine tucks that extend a little above and below the waistline may draw the garment in to the required size, and a back closing is arranged. A yoke or shield-tucker with standing collar is an optional feature, and the short puff sleeves may have cuffs adjusted over the bands that finish them. A body lining, consisting of backs and dart-fitted fronts seamed at the centre, gives support to the waist, and holds the fullness in place.
 
Pattern 9299 is in 8 sizes from 28 to 42 inches bust measure. For the medium size, it requires 7 yards 44 inches wide, each with 3/8 yard of goods 27 inches wide for yoke or tucker, and 7/8 yard for bands.
 
Figure 3: Here are depicted developments of a pleasing design in black satin with reliefs of white taffeta, and in mottled sicilian with no trimming. The blouse, which is in shirt waist style, has three tucks in box-plait effect at the centre of the back and at each side of the front, and short tucks introduced at the sides of the latter. The pattern allows high neck and standing collar, or open outline in square or V shape, a shield being inserted and a sailor collar added in the latter development. Full-length sleeves in sailor style are provided, and allowance is made for short puff and shield sleeves.
 
All superfluous fullness is eliminated from the knickerbockers. Inside leg and centre seams are employed, and buttons are used for closing. Elastics confine the legs.
 
Nine gores shape the skirt, and are joined to give the effect of box-plaits, extensions on each gore forming an inverted box-plait below each seam. A narrow belt serves as waist finish, and the skirt may close at the back or at the left side. The blouse may be attached to the skirt or to the knickerbockers, as preferred.
 
Pattern 9309 is in 9 sizes from 28 to 44 inches bust measure. For the medium size, it requires 7 1/4 yards 44 inches wide.
 

The Delineator, June 1906

Gentleman's and Boy's Bathing Costumes

Wanamaker Bathing Suit Ad, Spring/Summer 1899

Butterick Men's Bathing Suit, Summer 1902

Butterick Boy's Bathing Suit, 11 years old, Summer 1902

Butterick Men's and Boy's Bathing Suit, Summer 1905

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