Changing Clothes
On view in Canaday Library
Coombes Suite, 2nd Floor Canaday Library
Athletics have always been an important part of Bryn Mawr's culture and education. Most women's colleges incorporated athletics into their curriculum from their earliest years, but for reasons that today may seem surprising. Women's colleges, including Bryn Mawr, developed their Athletics programs in response to proponents of pseudo-scientific theories who claimed that the intellectual work of higher education would negatively impact women's health.
The invention of women’s athletic attire, which was largely non-existent prior to the mid-19th century, accompanied the development of physical education. As with women’s health and higher education, there was much debate about what was appropriate for women to wear while exercising. Should they wear bloomers? A skirt? Both?
Come learn about the history of Bryn Mawr athletics through the lens of sports uniforms.
August 28-December 20, 2025.