In the upstairs East Gallery is a display of a Victorian woman’s swim suit. Compared with today’s beach fashions it looks hopelessly hot and heavy. To see what women had to endure to enjoy a refreshing day at the beach!
~ BHS Docent, Cobb House Museum
Made of wool crepe, consists of two separate pieces; a bodice with attached bloomers and a skirt that buttons at the waist. It is styled with the “sailor” motif which was very popular during the mid to late 1890s.
Vintage women's swim wear
BHS 1970.10.214 On Shore with Rowboat c.1900 – photographer unknown
Library of Congress LC-DIG-ggbain-01346
During the late 1800s, people flocked to Cape Cod beaches for seaside activities such as swimming, surf bathing, and diving. The only activity for women in the ocean involved jumping through the waves while holding onto a rope attached to an off-shore buoy. Their heavy Victorian and Edwardian style bathing suits were often quite burdensome. Women typically dressed in black, knee-length, puffed-sleeve wool dresses, often featuring a sailor collar, and worn over bloomers trimmed with ribbons and bows. The bathing suit was accessorized with long black stockings, lace-up bathing slippers, and caps.
Source: victoriana.com/Fashion/victorian-bathing-suit