The bloomers costume with high laced boots was thought to be safer on a bicycle than would be a skirt, and it was thought to be a bit more acceptable than dressing in clothing more like a man's costume at that time.
In this 1895 advertisement, the manufacturer of Columbia Bicycles tries to appeal to women customers.
An advertisement for bicycles features a woman bicyclist, about 1895.
Courtesy U.S. Library of Congress
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