What Activewear Did People Wear to Swimming Before Swimsuits?

May 19, 2022 3 min read

Whether you're planning a day at the beach or are looking for something a little more unique, swimming in your activewear is a great way to have fun. The sun, blue water, and waves make a day at the beach a great time. But what do you wear to the beach, especially for guys? Are there different swimwear options?

Bathing Dresses

Swimming was never universally popular before the early nineteenth century, when women began wearing bathing dresses. These long, wool dresses covered their bodies and were often adorned with weights in the hem. Victorian women were also forced to wear bathing caps, a hunchback hat, and gloves. These clothes were made to be waterproof and able to withstand the hot, salty water. Bathing dresses were also practical, as they kept women covered and pale.

While men wore swimsuits before the advent of swimsuits, women still wore bathing gowns in the water. Bathing gowns were loose ankle-length chemise-type gowns made of wool or flannel. Bathing dresses often had weights sewn into them to prevent them from rising to the surface of the water. Men's bathing suits were similar, but were made of wool.

Bathing dresses lasted for decades before modern swimming suits were created. By the mid-nineteenth century, they were fashionable and covered the majority of a woman's body. They were so fashionable that Godey's Lady's Book featured them in 1864. Amelia Bloomer's innovative ideas for women's clothing also became popular. She also invented the "long bloomer" and the "paletot" dress, which are heavy flannel pants.

Bathing gowns

Before the invention of swimsuits, women wore long "bathing dresses" and often ruffled bloomers. These garments left little to the imagination. Women who swam in the ocean wore them in public, but not everyone was comfortable with their sexy attire. In the late 1800s, some women became charged with indecent exposure. A Victorian woman named Annette Kellerman was even prosecuted.

Originally, bathing dresses were simply loose cotton or wool garments, but they later became more complex and fashionable. Some of them were even interchangeable with swimsuits. During the nineteenth century, men and women alike began wearing swimsuits that were more revealing and colorful. Despite their more modest appearance, however, women continued to want to show off their figure. While most of these swimsuits are made of polyester or nylon, some older styles of swimsuits were made from wool or a combination of wool and flannel.

The development of swimming costumes isn't as clear as it seems. Swimsuits have been around for centuries, but before they were as common as swimsuits are today. During the nineteenth century, women still tended to swim in water to cool themselves. Despite the fact that vigorous exercise was not considered ladylike, many women continued to wear bathing costumes. Women's swimwear reflected this tradition and reflects their social status.

Long bloomers

Before swimsuits, people dressed for swimming in bathing gowns. These garments had weights sewn into them to keep them from becoming transparent when wet. These gowns were often worn with heavy stockings, long knickers, or bloomers. The Victorians were also fans of swimming, and public bathing pools were opened. Men's swim suits were form-fitting wool garments with long legs and sleeves.

The first swimsuits were made to be worn while working out, participating in sports, or just relaxing at the beach. These garments were made of flexible and durable fabrics, as well as moisture-wicking properties. This means that sweat is drawn away from the body and quickly evaporates, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. While bathing suits today are usually considered "sexy" or revealing, the first swimsuits were actually made for comfort and practicality.

Today, people dress in swimsuits as part of their activewear. Women wear sports bra for swimming. However, in the past, swimming was exclusively a male activity. Men were free to swim without clothing until the mid-19th century, when mixed bathing began to become fashionable. By 1850, men were forced to find swimsuits with suitable attire. By then, men were wearing one-piece knit suits, similar to contemporary one-piece underwear. This swimsuit was sleeveless with short sleeves and a cut-off leg.



Also in Info

Men's Suits - Is it OK to Wear the Same Suit Everyday?

February 29, 2024 3 min read

How to Wash a Beach Mat

December 10, 2022 3 min read

Which Dog Life Jacket Is Best?

September 30, 2022 3 min read

Sign up for our Newsletter

Spin to win Spinner icon