Edwardian Era Swimwear

Ever wondered what the Edwardian swimwear was like? In the modern day, we have many options for swimming. But the trend of the modern day fashion began in the early 1900s with the Edwardian era.

Though in other trends, there was a marked difference between the Edwardian and Victorian periods, in the case of swimming costumes there was little or no change. Edwardian swimwear consisted of wool just like the Victorian one. But unlike the Victorian age, this age saw the use of bloomers as well as wool over dresses.

The Edwardian woman was clearly more modern as compared to her Victorian counterpart. She had clearly come one step closer to achieving her independence as she now wore a sleeveless swimwear with laced footwear and black stockings. By 1920, the swimwear shortened more with plunging necklines and shorter over dresses.

The development of Edwardian swimwear is very significant as it closely reflects the changing attitudes people had not only towards women but also towards their coastlines. Until about the nineteenth century, the British were not interested in their coastlines. It was simply a place of business interest; the halt from where other journeys could begin.

But by the late nineteenth century the attitude changed. A doctor called Richard Russell promoted the drinking of sea water as a definitive cure for all diseases right from gout to jaundice. As a result, the attitude towards coastlines changed.

Spas were built up near the coasts. People began to go to the coastlines for a day trip. Trains were more popular than coaches for this purpose. This brought about a new development in the British economy.

Edwardian swimming costumes gave a new level of confidence to women. While they were still covered from head to toe in their daywear, the swimming gear allowed them to freely express themselves. It was one place where they did not have to remain confined in the flesh tearing corsets aimed to achieve a perfect S figure.

This led to a rise in womens sexual expression that has continued until today with modern swimwear costumes like the bikini. In short, the Edwardian swimwear enabled women to interact more freely.