Bathing dress

Around the 1880s the sleeves and hemlines of these dresses were shortened to improve range of motion and general comfort.

[2] As the 19th century progressed, women's "bathing" or swimming activities became increasingly popular.

The use of the bathing machine provided greater privacy to bathers and reduced the need for complete modesty.

[3] Athletic activities such as swimming and bicycling became more socially acceptable, resulting in a need for a better range of motion and a reduction in the weight of the garment when wet.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK http://vam.ac.uk The Fashion Institute of Technology Library Website https://web.archive.org/web/20100619133547/http://www3.fitnyc.edu/library/