The times., 1897-05-23
FOR MERMAIDS.
Costumes in Which to Take Salt
Water Baths This Summer.


Costumes in Which to Take Salt
Water Baths This Summer.
New York, May 22.-There is rather
picturesque saying that as soon as the dam
deiioDs bloom the mermaids begin to rise,
which implies, in other words, that by the
first OF May it is time 10 have ones bath
ing gown ready, against the near approach
ing season for preliminary dip. Dan
delions have been industriously bloom
ing for matter OF more than fortnight
now, and already some OF the smartest
bathing costumes are on view, quite COM
pieted, at the good dressmakers and in the
leading shops.
To all appearances this is to be n sta-.
son of almost unprecedented splendor
among the salt water mermaids- Only
women of eccentric, not TO say perverted,
taste, will, however, give any attention to
the amazing creations Of brocaded green
satin, fine pongce silk and lace-tiimmed
printed cretonne, displayed along with
other ready-made sea things in some
shops. They are among the extrava-
gances to which the fashion for elab-
crate costuming on the beaches threat
ems to be carried this year, for it is only
the simple truth 10 say that the bathing
dress is not the easy, informal and stu
diously plain garment 1T used to be. To
trim a blue flannel blouse and skirt with
red pipings or narrow white gimp is not
all sufficient this year.
There must he dazzling flashes Of color
and somewhat richl yornate decoration
used in the two most popular of swimming
goods. These are melton and "a along-napped
open-meshcd marine etamine, that are
not only pretty, but excessively comfort
able and durable materials, rather usurp-
ing, or at any rate fully sharing, the popu-
larity of serge, flannel, silk warp, nlohair,
and stiff salcloth or naval check, which
has a vogue OF its own. II it is ques-
tion of choosing the color of your Lew
bathing suit, do not be hanrered, oh, wave
loving woman, 10y conventional scrur..s in
favor OF navy blue, black, white or brown.
Rather ask for clear, poppy red, iris
purple or orange leaf green wool stuff
They are all to be very much worn, and
instead of navy blue two shades OF dark
and light cornflower blue flannel win
predominate. Gray. with tones Of pink
in it, golden yellow, combined with black,
and brown bordering on orange are all
among the gowns to flash with commend
the watering places. But again it must be
said that ii woolen materials these new
and charming suits are designed with their
skirts cut to the knees, or just II inch and
a half below; with very few exceptions the
sleeves are rather short and the knicker-
bockers are rather oftener made Of fine
mohair. matching the skirt in color, than Of
flannel.
a number OF expert mermaids are going
to try, under their skirts, silk tights reach
ing to the knee and at the waist fastened
there TO a hand buttoning to the belt of the
bodice. But beyond all doubt OF a Iunior,
andin actual evidence, setup for purchase,
are bathing stays, which can be highly
recommended The best one is hardly more
than belt, six inches wide, to fold about
the waist and lace UP over little bone
hooks in front This wide belt is made of
;he heaviest white flannel, and has four
whaiebones in it. When properly worn
it need not compress the body at any
point, nor interfere with easy move
ments.
The second waist is Rinth hol wooden
corset cover, short-sleevei, low in the
neck, slightly boned and buttonng up the
front Stockings are considered in best
taste when worn to exactly match the
predominating color in he suit, W hile nearly
all bathing shoes are either flat -heeled
slippers made all of dark blue canvas, with
a bright bow on the toe, else they are OF
white or blue. or brown wash leather, flat
heeled and lacing with gay ribbons high up
on the calf of the leg. Many women, OF
course, prefer to wear in the water no other
foot covering than the stocking affords,
slipping on, IA they come out, shining black
rubber slippers, having gay scarlet rubber
bow knots on the toe.
The plaid handkerchief in Madras or oiled
silk, is the appropriate protection for heads
against the salt sea waves. The desire of
every pretty girl is TO learn how West India
negresses arrange their tignons and knot
their own 'kerchiefs accordingly. Some of
the oiled silk handkerchiefs sold are deco
rated with large or small black polka dots
on brilliant scarlet, yellow, green or bright
purple backgrounds, and over her tienoned
head, when parading the beach in her volu-
minous bath gown, every woman will wear
bath hat. Only those who timidly dip
into the water. as high as the knees or
waist line, will wear their hats beyond
the tide mark and into the waves. The
swimmers doff theirs on stepping into the
brine. but on coming out Instantly resume
their smart sailors, wide leghorns, trimmed
with wrcaths OF blooming roses. or pull
into place very festive looking fishcrmens
caps.
A the edge of the water they will also
assume their bath robes, taking in both
these innovations a hint from the seaside
Frenchwoman, who wisely concludes that
however fascinating her appearance may
he in dry bathing suit, and when she is
actively enjoying the water, on coming
out it is most discreet to hide her moist and