Definition of bloomer

The word "bloomer" originally referred to a type of baggy, ankle-length pants worn by women during the mid-19th century. These pants, known as Bloomers, were named after Amelia Bloomer, a prominent women's rights activist who popularized them in the United States through her publication, The Lily, in the 1850s. The Bloomers gained popularity amongst women who were advocating for dress reform, as the traditional long dresses inhibited their freedom of movement and made it difficult for them to engage in physical activities such as walking, cycling, and working. The loose-fitting pants allowed women greater mobility and comfort, making them a symbol of women's liberation and suffrage. However, the Bloomers also faced criticism and scandal, as they were seen as a threat to traditional gender norms and sexual propriety. They were often associated with the working-class and considered too masculine for respectable women. In addition, some male politicians advocated against them, likening them to men's undergarments, and even passing laws to ban them in certain public places. Despite the controversy, the Bloomers and the broader dress reform movement inspired later generations of women's rights activists, leading to the eventual acceptance of more practical and comfortable clothing for women. Today, the term "Bloomer" has become associated with women's undergarments, specifically shorts designed to be worn under skirts or dresses.