Full Bloom
Whilst many a female cyclist first rode in a cumbersome corset and long skirt, many eventually jettisoned these in favour of bike-friendly bloomers, popularised by
Amelia Bloomer. An army of keen cyclists steered this practical garment into the history books.
Many men were scandalised, and a famous nursery rhyme even got a tongue-incheek new verse devoted to the shocking style, courtesy of lyricist Stanislaus Stange: “Dear Mary,” said the little lamb,
“It gives me quite a fright
To see the girls on bicycles,
They’re such a novel sight.
Why is it they all bloomers wear?
The sight my blood congeals.”
Then Mary touched her forehead thus, And gently murmured: “Wheels.”