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 :)

Summer Shorts: How Short is Too Short?

Every summer, I struggle with shorts. I currently have only one pair of jean shorts and I don't get up the gumption to wear them until close to July. I'm not sure what it is, but shorts never feel like they cover enough on me! 
I also feel like there are too many women & young girls that walk around with too much of their behinds hanging out. Is this just me? 

Circumstance is 90% of it. If you're with family, you need to be decently covered. This does not mean wear these:

Do I mind looking at that? No, I do not. However, I wouldn't even wear those on the beach- just wear your bikini bottoms. I think they will cover more.
Stores obviously don't carry ones that non-existent, but they come close. I feel like they're so short that there's no use in wearing them, I should go with yoga capris or a skirt.
The typical length of women's shorts varies from 3" inseam to a 7" inseam. I can wear a 5" and not feel too exposed. But 3" inseam?