Friday Fashion: 18th Century Swimwear

I hope everyone is having an awesome Fourth of July holiday!

One common activity that many people are enjoying this weekend is swimming. All ages, all sexes, all walks of life-- when it's hot out, being in the water is a fine thing!

I still have to find The Perfect Swimsuit. I have several bikinis, but I want a one-piece for family-approved swimming. I love cutouts, and the black and white contrast.
I got to thinking about swimming, and swimwear, and particularly, women. While my girlfriends are throwing on their skimpy bikinis or mommy one-pieces, what were women in the 18th century wearing? Was there recreational bathing? Were women allowed to "go swimming"? When this country declared its independence, and important documents were being signed, were there people rejoicing with some barbeque and dives off of a pier? 
Well, it seems like in ancient history, before the matter of a single God came into play, people were free-spirited.

This montage of scantily clad women was found in Sicily, in an ancient Roma villa. The women seem like they're having a great time, doing their thang. They certainly don't seem like they're being harassed for being hoochies. 



Then there's many centuries when people, especially women, lose a lot of freedom.
If women were engaging in water activities at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it was probably bathing. And they were probably doing it wearing one of these:

 How awful! There might have been a cap worn also, as they tried not to get their hair wet so they didn't have to wash it as often.
So I hope you think about these poor colonial women, as you run around in your freely chosen swimwear, swimming and acting raucous with members of the opposite sex. 
Have a great holiday weekend, everyone :)