The failure of the bloomer
Norton' in 1851. This early piece associates dress reformers with advocates of women's rights. The speaker of the piece adopts the bloomer, becomes 'manly and commanding' and is mistaken for a man. This was to become the standard response for the rest of the century. Despite the fact that bloomers allowed for greater ease of movement, and were undoubtedly more comfortable than traditional dress, both the public and the press mocked and scorned them.
The most famous early wearer of the bloomer after Amelia Bloomer was Dr Mary Walker who was taken prisoner during the American Civil War. In a lead piece on her in The Lady's Own Paper (1866) the writer acknowledged that the 'dress question' had been a great trial to her. The illustration shows her standing resolute and confident in her study--an image of a professional woman announcing her intention to stand firm on a controversial issue. In a concession to the readership, the writer skilfully acknowledged that they may indeed object to her attire, but claims that they cannot fail to admire her courage in the face of 'a great social anomaly'
