The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-05-24
DECLINE Of THE BLooMER.
The Garment Is Slowly but Surely
Passing Into Dfsfavor.


In spite of vigorous protests on the part
OF the bloomer devotees there is no disput-
ing the fact that the bloomer costume is
When he cosus ra esms n'E into uae Il
seemed as though we women cyclers had
finally secured a cycling suit which en-
first establishment wore of, there were
many nonriders who approved of IL be-
cause of its apparent sacrifice of appear
So universal did the bloomer become dur
ing the early part of last season that the
woman who rode in skirts was made TO feel
companions than she of the bloomer outfit,
and many riders adopted the former cos
tune, against which their finer instincts re-
belled, simply to free themselves Of the con-
slant harping Of those who favored that
kind Of dress. The impression prevailed.
ana was sometimes neiped aiong oy DioS Sir.
did SO because they were not fashioned 10
wear bloomers, and that their objections
were in reality attributable to this cause
rather than to any dislike of the costume
itself. Thus one had to wear the obnoxious
bifurcates garment or endure the charge OF
being unshapely. pleasant alternative,
Being human, many of the girls conse-
quently convinced themselves that their OBJ
jections were probably prudish. and. as
cessitated the wearing Of the accepted cos
tune. they one by one decided In favor of
boomers; But there were some who r, res ;
and persuasive arguments, and these have
rather the best Of the situation at present
1t was inevitable that the bloomer could
not long reign before its use would be
abused. and this was just what happened.
AS the summer advanced some of the
bloomer wearers, going on the theory that
comfort is the only requisite on a bicycle,
discarded the leggings because of their
warmth, and then the public began to de-
muir. Others, more bold. decreed that
boomers were ugly, and so had suits made
with knickerbockers instead. During the
hot months Ii was unusual thing TO pass
woman on the boulevard dressed in a
sweater, tight-itting knickerbockers and
thin stockings, some even appearing in
ribbed silk hosiery and French heels, as
though dressed for the chorus. And at this
the public rebelled.
Later boomer dances were organized, to
the disgust of the general public; for, while
many could see the utility of the costume
for riding, no one could find any excuse for
1t in dancing except the participants Fur
ther. 1t was noticeable that nearly all the
society women who rode used the skirt.
Observing ones pointed out the significant
rode wheels. few of them ventured forth
without skirts.
All this time there was a growing demand
for a skirt adapted to the wheel, and num-
at first were not successful. but finally an
Eastern firm hit upon q design which was
SO satisfactory that 1t was patented. Last
fall this garment was the only practical
one of its kind but during the winter a
number of patterns were brought out and
the resul. is that fully half the feminine
riders this year will use the divided skirt.
The construction of this skirt is very cleverly
managed so that either In walking or riding
the division is invisible, and yet all the adj
.vantages of a bifurcated garment are Sc
cured. 1t has the appearance of an ordinary
walking skirt of short length.
IT IS to be hoped that with the coming of a
suitable and comfortable skirt, which does
not sacrifice modesty or beauty. and yet
meets the requirements of long distance rid
ing, this vexatious question of boomers will
be settled. Certain ii is that the boomer
must go: for. while the bloomer suit, IL COR
rectly made and worn with leggings and
jacket, cannot properly be called immodest
no matter how ungraceful Ii may be, yet
the wearer of such a costume cannot afford
to be classed as "a bloomer girl