Evening star., 1897-05-08
FOR WOMEN CYCLISTS

With the advent Of cycling women came
an evolution in wheeling costume worn by
men. Prior to their entering the field little
attention to dress was paid by the male
cyclists. With them the most importan.
factor was to secure the particular make Of
" heel which they fancied the most while the
women at once paid the most attention to
| their costume. The wheelwoman is settling
for herself what she shall wear when she
gees out on her wheel. Throughout the
country the short skirts and the golf
stockings are the favorites. Boomers are
worn underneath. Some of the former
bloomer fanatics, seeing that their idea
would not be adopted, have taken another
turn. Many are riding the diamondfralned
wheel in short skirts and wooden tights.
The divided skirt Is also popular, and prop
erly made, it. con be used On either the drop
or the diamond frame. Bicycle costumes
have become g department in the wheel
world. And the credit for the great I'M
provement belongs to the women. If a
census of the women riders in the United
States were taken, 1t would probably be
found that they are as numerous as the
entire army of cyclers five years ago. Then
the women made Up but two or three per
cent of the entire bicycle population. This
year 1t Is likely that they will comprise ~
or more per cent of the cycling population;
SO that IL their number should increase as
rapidly In the next four years as it has
SluCe 1880, Tue DeSlilDlnS OF the tWGntleth
century may find the female section of
cycledom nun erically in the ascendant.
By the adoption of en- intelligent series
of progressive efforts the woman of aver
age physical vigor can ultimately fit her
self for century run, or the long tour,
without making any inordinate demands on
her mnscaiar, Iss.,sa,, equipment To these wo-
creased BEFORE a year has passed, the
bloomer makes strong appeal. On long
Journeys the practical drawbacks of the
skirt are hany1 and the counter attractions
of the bloomer great.
There is not t56ne woman in fifty who will
deny theIsupefiority of the bloomer to the
skirt. SO aiar sf comfort and adaptabili;y
are concerned. when long distance riding is
in question. We shall have both skirts and
bloomers this year. We shall see occasional
combinations Dthat will make our souls
weep, but the proportion of such to the
main body of bloomer exploiters will not be
greater shan fhe proportion the woman
without asste bears to the whole body Of
femininity. 1dA
Covert cloths are playing a large part in
the makeup Of costumes for lady riders.
and the high-laced shoe. which fits to 4
nicely, Is another thing that is "just right"
Buttons large and small will figure CO.
piously In the finishing of the modish cycle
suits this season. Every angle on ouff and
revere will be made the abiding place Of
one or more Of these shining articles for
they must be either metal or pearl, the
cloth button being no longer used,
Many new costumes this year will be
made with the Elton Jacket fitting CLOSELY
to the band Of the skirt. there held in place
by hooks, with the belt of metal or leather
exposed only In front.
There are but two noticeable changes
this season-one is that the costumes are
brighter, and In many instances vie iu
loudnees with those worn by the other sex:
the otl or is that the leggined girl seems to
be going. Leggins are hot and uncomfort-
able. and even the leather high-cut boots
are not the most delightful things In the
world. especially upon hot day. 30 that