Young woman wearing bathing suit holding a parasol, 194. By the end of the 19th century people were flocking to the oceanside beaches for popular seaside activities such as swimming, surf bathing, and diving. The clumsy Victorianstyle bathing costumes were becoming burdensome. A need for a new costume that retained modesty but was free enough to allow the young lady to engage in swimming was obvious. Women typically dressed in black, kneelength, puffedsleeve wool dresses, often featuring a sailor collar, and worn over bloomers or drawers trimmed with ribbons and bows. The bathing costume was typically accessorized with long black stockings, laceup bathing slippers, and fancy caps.