Bloomers were designed by Amelia Jenks Bloomer. Bloomers are revolutionary garment that were designed to bring about dress reform to offer comfortable dressing option to women clad in restrictive and cumbersome heavy skirts, frills, ruffles, layers etc.
What are Bloomers
These baggy underpants gather at the waist as well as at the hemlines at the knees and the ankles. The design makes them closer to Harem pants. Bloomers for women are pants with hemlines that reach up to the knees or ankles.
They are believed to be inspired by Pantalettes, a women’s undergarment that was worn underneath petticoats. However, it’s noteworthy that bloomers have tapered leg while Pantalettes were a wide leg construction.
Initially, when bloomers were introduced in the Victorian era, they were looked with scorn and disgust. But, the comfort and flexibility they offered made people embrace them. The functional as well as practical clothing made for a comfortable wear to women athletes especially, and also to those involved in other sports activity. They also made cycling and riding simple. Bloomers became popular as sportswear. Nylon, silk, satin, cotton, linen and wool bloomers make for a wide variety of options to choose from.
They were initially won as undergarments under un-gathered A-line skirts for modesty. These undergarments are also worn as outer garments. Bloomers split at the crotch are designed to add comfort to the garment. Bloomers offer a healthy and comfortable life to women.