Bathing Carriages
A bathing carriage looks something like a beach hut with wheels. It is made of wood, has steps, small windows and doors at each end. The bather would enter the bathing carriage and change into their bathing costume. The whole vehicle would than be pulled into the water so the bather could leave the carriage through the other door directly into the sea, without anyone being able to see them in a state of undress.









         Bathing Machines, Bridlington: LS16-17

Bathing Carriages: SC065120

Sea bathing facilities at Scarborough: NYCRO1095

Bathing pool, Scarborough: SC073370



Bathing in South Bay, Scarborough: SC065310

Bathing Costumes
The style of bathing costumes developed considerably in the early years of the twentieth century. In the nineteenth century, bathers tended to wear costumes that covered up as much flesh as possible, but later these became much smaller and more practical. Advances in materials also helped, as a light material is much easier to swim in than heavy wool. By the 1920s, a bathing suit for a serious swimmer was likely to be made of silk stockingette with legs to mid-thigh, a wide belt and shoulder straps. Two-piece costumes would consist of mid-thigh length knickers and a tunic with ties at the waist. These would be more likely to be worn as beachwear rather than for swimming. Gradually, the costumes became shorter in the leg and lower at the back, and fabrics improved until they began to look like the swimsuits we wear today.