Cycling suit

Trouville

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

A past time originally dominated by men, bicycling became more acceptable for women after Queen Victoria bought bicycles for her daughters. By the 1890s, clothing to be worn while participating in the activity was being produced. The bifurcated clothing worn while astride a bicycle not only opened the door for women to engage in the sport but also to gain their independence from strict societal rules. This particular ensemble features a patented bifurcated skirt that allowed the rider a more comfortable ride while also giving the modest appearance of the skirt at front. Other more daring ensembles featured fully bifurcated Knickerbockers.

The Costume Institute

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Costume Institute's collection of more than thirty-three thousand objects represents seven centuries of fashionable dress and accessories for men, women, and children, from the fifteenth century to the present.

Metropolitan Museum of Art