The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1896-07-16
BICYCLE COSTUMES.
A Question Which Is of Special Interest
to Women.

a NucSttoh Is VI SPcCi6l Ahbcr Obb
to Women.
Bicycling is to be more the fashion
than ever at the watering places, and
at least two bicycle costumes must
needs be provided for summer wear
one of serge, cheviot or covert cloth for
cool days, and one of linen, Russian
crash or other why material that looks
like hair cloth, or perhaps white duck,
for the hot weather. The skirts must
not be too wide, for unnecessary full
ness is not only annoying, as it blows
back into the wheel if there is the
slightest wind, but also is very ugly and
ungraceful. The fullness must be quite
at the back, and over the hips the skirt
must fit closely. The flare must be
around the bottom of the skirt only,
and in the wash materials this is
gained not only by the cut, but also by
turning up a deep hem on the outside,
and stitching it through with several
rows of machine stitching. The short
jackets, either with loose fronts or
tight fitting like waists, opening at the
neck with narrow revers, are the pref
test patterns after all. But the EtOn
jacket is the most useful on account
of being so light that it can be carried
on the handlebar if it is not desired to
wear it. When the Eton jacket is used
the back must be cut long enough to
almost hide the belt of the skirt, and
must be fitted in at the side seams so
that it has neat, trim look. The tail
ors prefer the double-faced cloth for
their heavy costumes, as they contend
that it is so much more pliable and
hangs better. This cloth is always eX-
pensive and the handsome costumes
made of it are rarely to be had under
$50. This includes the waist or coat
lined with silk. There is great discus
sion as to whether light or dark cloth is
better. The dark shows, of course, ali
dust, but somehow looks more becom-
ing and less conspicuous, so that the
choice is simply matter of personal
taste. In the Innings there are some
marvellous fabrics. One which looks
like covert cloth is only IS cents a
yard, makes up very well and launders
well. A costume made of this material
recently finished, only costs seven dol
lars, including all the findings. 1t was
made by a cheap dressmaker, to be
sure, who copied the model of one of
the newest patterns. Bicycle skirts
should never open in the back, but on
either side of the front seams, and
should button or hook over the side
breadths. 1t is a little difficult to at
tain to this and have the front breadth
fit without wrinkle, but curving it out
just a little around the waist in front
will obviate the difficulty.
The white duck and the linen, of
course, soil easily, but they look fresh
and pretty, and are delightfully."- cool.
In all the large establishments in New
York there have been recently sales
of readymade costumes of these ma
terials at five dollars and even less A
short jacket and full-width skirt are
the models. By taking out one breadth
in the back an excellent shape for a
bicycle skirt can be attained. The
jackets are exactly right, because they
are made in tailor effect with strapped
seams, medium side seams and a capital
cut generally. The inevitable shirt
waist is necessary addition to every
bicycle costume, for it is very much
cooler than any other garment.
What to wear under the skirt is quite
puzzle for warm weather. as tweed,
serge or satin knickerbockers are alto
gether too heavy. Pongee silk and col
ored lawn are good; best of all, Lans-
downe or gloria silk. This last is very
wide, exceedingly cool and only costs a
dollar a yard. Two yards will make
boomers or knickerbockers, and will
be found both comfortable and durable.
Even the canvas leggings seem warm in
summer, and some women are trying
to introduce the fashion of riding with
out any leggings, wearing instead plaid
stockings. The objection has been
urged so often to laced or buttoned
boots, on account of the compression
about the ankles, that few women care
to wear them, but the latest styles in
bicycle boots are of such thin, soft
leather and so pliable that they are
becoming more popular.-Harper's Ba-
Ear.