1. A fashion plate from Le Supreme Bon Ton, circa 1810-1815. This is the earliest depiction I have seen of people wearing what appears to be a garment made specifically for swimming. People have obviously gone swimming for millennia, but until the mid-19th century or so there was no specialized garment for the activity and participants usually wore their undergarments or nothing at all. It is also interesting as it shows men and women swimming together while in various states of presumably scandalous undress. But then it again it was post-revolutionary France, so who knows.

    A fashion plate from Le Supreme Bon Ton, circa 1810-1815.

    This is the earliest depiction I have seen of people wearing what appears to be a garment made specifically for swimming. People have obviously gone swimming for millennia, but until the mid-19th century or so there was no specialized garment for the activity and participants usually wore their undergarments or nothing at all.

    It is also interesting as it shows men and women swimming together while in various states of presumably scandalous undress. But then it again it was post-revolutionary France, so who knows.

  2. A very cute Regency era striped coat from Le Journal des Dames et des Modes, 1814.

    A very cute Regency era striped coat from Le Journal des Dames et des Modes, 1814.

  3. An adorable sunshine yellow dress dating to 1817 or 1818.

    An adorable sunshine yellow dress dating to 1817 or 1818.

  4. A lovely silk redingote made in the US circa 1815.

    A lovely silk redingote made in the US circa 1815.

  5. A spring bonnet with beautiful multicolored openwork, dates to between 1805 and 1810.

    A spring bonnet with beautiful multicolored openwork, dates to between 1805 and 1810.

  6. A lovely French necklace with hardstone mosaics of butterflies, circa 1810.

    A lovely French necklace with hardstone mosaics of butterflies, circa 1810.

  7. Pink coats trimmed with swan’s down seem to have been in style for well over 20 years, starting right around 1800. This one is from 1818.

    Pink coats trimmed with swan’s down seem to have been in style for well over 20 years, starting right around 1800. This one is from 1818.

  8. An 1814 wool and velvet redingote worn with an interesting winter hat.

    An 1814 wool and velvet redingote worn with an interesting winter hat.

  9. A feather trimmed silk cloak that was more likely used as a fashion statement than to keep warm. Made between 1813 and 1817.

    A feather trimmed silk cloak that was more likely used as a fashion statement than to keep warm. Made between 1813 and 1817.

  10. This feather trimmed wool redingote, circa 1810, was made for winter travel.

    This feather trimmed wool redingote, circa 1810, was made for winter travel.