During the 18th century, spas where men and women engaged in public bathing began appearing in France and England.
Men and women still bathed infrequently for recreation and it was considered as therapy.
Modesty was of prime importance with style not much of a consideration in those days.
The first suits were far from practical or comfortable; ladies went as far as to sewing lead weights into the hem of the bathing gown to prevent the dress from floating up and exposing their legs.
With the introduction of railroads, ocean-side beaches became popular for sunny recreations and a need to wear bathing suits was felt to protect the skin from the harsh sun and being modest and strongly against any skin show.
This 1797 Gallery of Fashion print shows two ladies protected by face-shading bonnets, shawls and gloves as they
1858 Bathing Suit typically worn by the French and English.
Early 19th Century Swimwear
Even though the 19th century Swimwear was not very high fashion and stylish for the masses a strong need was felt for a fashionable outfit for swimming or Sea Bathing.
This is because Sea Bathing was considered as a recreational activity which was only taken up by the wealthy.
The Activity itself was considered fashionable.
Along with this new outdoor pastime came the need for a stylish garment for the privileged lady of fashion. Here we will follow the path of the fashionable bathing suit, which began long before the modern day bikini.
Bathing Machines In The Early 19th Century
Bathing machines were roofed and walled wooden carts rolled into the sea
Some had solid wooden walls others had canvas walls over a wooden frame.
The Bathing Machine was a popular etiquette followed by women of the 19th century
The use of bathing machines indicated swimming still being an activity where a lot of attention was paid to modesty and revealing one’s body in public was considered to be Inappropriate.
As it was an