Judge, 1895-11-16 · page 16 of 16
Judge — November 16, 1895 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon satirizes the "bloomer" craze of the 1890s—women's baggy pants worn under skirts, promoted as practical athletic wear. The central figure demonstrates padded bloomers designed for winter sports like tobogganing, allowing women to take falls safely. The satire cuts two ways: it mocks both the safety innovation AND the garment's unflattering appearance. The "back view" caption emphasizes how ridiculous women look in bloomers despite their practicality. The joke targets the tension between women's growing athletic participation and Victorian beauty standards—suggesting women must choose between dignity and safety. This reflects period anxiety about changing gender roles and women's public visibility through sports and less-restrictive clothing.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
comicbooks.com By simply having her bloomers padded she can take tumbles with impunity. WHE KO Here is a good thing, ladies—Junan's patent matic bloomers. When you wear them you are a But she won't be a thing of beauty—back view. peool. mind it a bit. Poeu- bart And if she is upset on a toboggan-slide she won't BLOOMERS IN WINTER.