What, didn't they have swimsuits back then?

So I was set to write another post about the gentry, but was sidetracked yet again. I finally was asked a question about the comic....but it was not one I expected. Of a million possible questions, 'didn't they have bathing suits back then?' took me by surprise.

The short answer is no, they didn't as such. The somewhat  longer answer is....When you think of the early, bulky, dorky looking bathing suits, perhaps with stripes....? That's from the 1830's on. Before that, bathing in private or outdoors was most likely in the nude. Yet sea bathing and seaside resorts were increasing in popularity, which made bathing a social activity. So some clothing was needed, but at first it wasn't what we might call a swimsuit. Ladies*, to preserve their modesty, would wear a sort of long nightgown with weights sewn in the hem so it wouldn't buoy up in the water. Or they might wear nothing. Accounts differ. Men, well, read this excerpt from Wikipedia's article on swimsuits:

Bath official bathing dress code of 1737 prescribed, for men:

It is Ordered Established and Decreed by this Corporation that no Male person above the age of ten years shall at any time hereafter go into any Bath or Baths within this City by day or by night without a Pair of Drawers and a Waistcoat on their bodies.

Drawers and a waistcoat do not sound like specialized clothing designed for swimming, so I don't consider them a swimsuit.

*I do mean Ladies here, not women. In the 18th century there is a distinct difference.

Finally, for the much longer answer and all the links you care to click, start with Wikipedia's articles on swimsuits, sea bathing and skinny dipping. I leave it to you.