bathing beauties

historically, bathing (or sea bathing) has its origins not in leisure, but in health. submerging the body in salt water was believed to possess therapeutic qualities, comparable to visiting a sauna or a health spa. the act of bathing evolves into the fashionable bathing beauty of the 19th century. bathing beauty contests became common spectacles on boardwalks across america throughout the 20th century. parades of unmarried young women in bathing costumes garnered much protest from conservative groups at the time, but these early beauty contests left a lasting impact on society today, as the blueprint for the miss america pageant.

bathing costume, 1910's

bathing costume with floral appliques + scalloped hem, 1920's

bathing costume with green embroidery + scalloped hem, 1920's

bathing costume with attached belt, 1920's

bathing costume with blue insets, 1920's

bathing costume with red deco monogram, 1920's

all the above bathing costumes would have been donned with matching bloomers, stockings, and bathing shoes. unfortunately, my dress form does not accommodate pants, so only the tunics are displayed. of course, when heading to the beach, let's not forget the water wings and parasol.