These bathing dresses were highlighted in Godey's Lady's Book in July 1868 (vol. LXXVII) The influence of Amelia Bloomer is clearly the inspiration for the practical exercise involved in swimming. Although more of the body may have been covered, color on the beach has apparently always been considered fashionable.

The descriptions are as follows:

Fig. 1--Costume of purple flannel, with trimmings of white flannel. The bodice is fastened with white buttons and a white band and buckle. Bathing cap of oil-skin, trimmed with red worsted braid.

Fig. 2--Blouse and trowsers of red flannel, trimmed with white. The blouse is ornamented with a ruche of white cashmere, and a scarf of the same is tied round the waist and falls in long ends at the back. Bathing caps of oil-skin.

Fig. 3--Costume of white and lilac stripped flannel. The blouse is trimmed round the bottom with a border of white flannel., and caught up on each side with a tab of the same material. The collar, wrist, and waistbands are also white. Bathing caps of oil-skin, with a pinked-out ruche of the same material as the costume.

Fig. 4--Costume of a darkish gray flannel, trimmed with strips of lighter gray flannel; waistband to match the trimming. Round oil-skin bathing cap, edged with a ruche of red worsted braid.

Fig. 5-- Bathing dress of red flannel, trimmed with strips of white flannel, and fastened round the waist with a red and white cord and tassels.