. Bulletin - United States National Museum. Science. element of the mores defining women's participation in society. Thus as more liberal attitudes gained acceptance and modified the original concept of the '"weaker sex," women gradually achieved social acceptance of their full participation in aquatic activities. Bathing Costume Bathing became popular as a medicinal treatment for both men and women of the new world in the last half of the 18th century. It was the only aquatic activity, however, that was considered proper for women until over a hundred years later. Like so many other
. Bulletin - United States National Museum. Science. element of the mores defining women's participation in society. Thus as more liberal attitudes gained acceptance and modified the original concept of the '"weaker sex," women gradually achieved social acceptance of their full participation in aquatic activities. Bathing Costume Bathing became popular as a medicinal treatment for both men and women of the new world in the last half of the 18th century. It was the only aquatic activity, however, that was considered proper for women until over a hundred years later. Like so many other customs, changes in bathing costume styles were initially introduced by way of England. They were adapted or rejected according to the special conditions of this continent. To give a clearer picture of the costume worn in the colonies and in the United States, descriptions of the English dress will be included where pertinent. I ha\e not, however, found any evidence showing that bathing nude was a practice for women in this country. THE EARLY BATHING GOWN It is disappointing but not surprising to discover the lack of descriptions pertaining to early bathing costume. This simple gown was utilitarian, not decorative. Thus it deserved little attention in the eyes of the contemporary bather. No doubt it is due to the importance of the original owner that the following example has sur\'ived. In the collection of family memorabilia at Momit Vernon, there is a chemise-type bathing gown that is said to have been worn by Martha Washington (fig. 6). According to a note attached to the gown signed by Eliza Parke Custis, and addressed to "Rosebud," a pet name for her daughter, Martha Washington probably wore this bathing gown at Berkeley Springs as she accompanied her daughter. Patsy, in her bath. This blue and white checked linen gown has several construction details similar to the chemise, a woman's undergarment, of the period. The sleeves were gathered near the shoulder and w
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