This is an odd one... Edwardian swimwear

[SeptimusQuench]

Probably against my better judgement, I've agreed to take part in a sponsored swim for a local women's charity dressed in an Edwardian bathing costume. And its fallen on me to find costumes for the whole team - a group of women of all different ages, shapes and sizes.

Google comes up with loads of fancy dress, but nothing one could actually swim in. Any ideas?

And if anyone can find them in suffragette colours, I will personally hand deliver doughnuts & gin to your doorstep.

Thank you

What's your budget? Someone with semi-pro skills could easily make something by modifying modern things bought cheaply.

BUT it would take a fair bit of time to source things which are suitable and a lot of time to sew them....especially as they will all be different sizes.

Unless your budget is decent and your time is plentiful, I would suggest everyone puts their own costume together. It's a bit much for one person.

It might be possible to base something on a modesty swimsuit.

Unfortunately, the one I've spotted which looks most like an old fashioned bathing suit is on a US site and nearly $60

I'll keep hunting - this is a lovely challenge!

A lot of the jumpsuits/playsuits in shops at the moment look like old fashioned swimsuits to me - especially if you wear bathing caps with them! Maybe they could work, with a modern swimsuit underneath if needed?

I'm thinking you could try for a look like this: goo.gl/images/8bjsPb or even goo.gl/images/hbyXGx

m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0636452003.html

m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0633109001.html

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/playsuits-jumpsuits/black-jersey-v-neck-playsuit/p/575952501?comp=Browse

Weren't a lot of them knitted? I know it would be a huge challenge, but have a look on Ravelry for swimsuit knitting patterns? You'll have to create an account to view them. Someone with fairly basic knitting skills could probably make one in a week?

Men's might have been knitted - do you need to costume both sexes?

Women's and most men's were fabric: tailored - skirted and puff sleeved. Very little difference to Victorian ones, though perhaps fewer furbelows and a less defined waist.

Depending on your budget, this lady makes them to order and I bet you could ask for suffergette colours ! Esty link here

I think the play suits would be fab. You could buy one and try it out in the pool. Maybe even have longer swim shorts underneath to give that double layer look.

Could you wear a "fancy dress" style one with a swimsuit underneath?

Sailor suits and nautical were popular in Edwardian times. How about this and have nautical style knickerbockers made from polyamide fabric (swim) by a seamstress.
www.pourmoi.co.uk/15402/pour-moi/hot-spots-control-suit/

Best idea yet Diana ....each woman should source her own swimsuit...one she is comfy in. Then all could have simple knickerbockers made...thin cotton and elasticated waists.

Maybe add a hat too...like this

www.modanisa.com/en/purple-half-covered-switsuits-emayo-436732.html?ck=10-en-GBP-seditor:desc

No idea if the company is reputable, and I think they're rather expensive. But they're Violet (well, purple) and they're made for swimming. Maybe add a fetching green swim cap?

www.rosewholesale.com/cheapest/casual-v-neck-solid-color-648168.html?currency=GBP&lkid=543913&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6a31mJTW2wIVhzXTCh29mAsPEAkYFyABEgIJEfD_BwE

That one looks really Edwardian to me!! And it's only £11.55. Put a green sash across your chest and bring me my please

Sorry but that's hilarious

Have you trued looking at modest wear brands. So ethi g like this maybe. You could see on some white stripes to make it look a bit more edwardian.

www.amazon.co.uk/TianMai-Swimwear-Islamic-Swimsuit-Beachwear/dp/B07CM6TGTZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_51?pi=SL140_SX51_CR0&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1529087180&sr=8-51,0,51,140&keywords=modest+swimwear

Xiaoxiong If that’s ok to swim in, it’s perfect. Green sash as you say, maybe with a white stripe, and hat with white lacy bit.

I get the feeling it would be quite see through to swim in...you would probably need at least a bikini underneath! But at least it's cheap, cheerful, comes in multiple sizes and doesn't require the involvement of a seamstress...