Bikes and Bloomers: Victorian Women Inventors and Their Extraordinary Cycle Wear

The bicycle - especially in Victorian Britain - is often celebrated as a vehicle of women’s liberation. However, what is often not noted is the other critical invention that came with the bicycle: cycle wear. In particular, bloomers. This fully illustrated account of women's cycle wear combines the wonders of feminist invention with Victorian engineering to supply convertible outfits that enable wearers to transform their everyday skirts into cycle wear. Looking on the stories of six women inventors in particular, the stories of this radical era are brought to life as we can see even today how these contributions to both fashion and cycling continue to shape urban life for the modern mobile woman.

(This title may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)