Dressed To Swim: Unacceptable

I went to a marketing tradeshow event in Dam Square last week and received the Treasures of Amsterdam Historical Museum book.

I found it very interesting to read that in Amsterdam (of all places) around the 1800's, swimming was an UNACCEPTABLE form of exercise.

Why?
Well, the reason why is because it required you to be half naked and they feared swimming would be an open invitation for sexual conduct.
I had to share this fact, especially since Holland is one of the most open countries in the world when it comes to sex and drugs.

Swimming suits were called, SWIMMING COSTUMES made out of printed cotton.

Mixed swimming with both males and females didn't come about until 1930.

I hope you find this as interesting as I do!
Visit: The Amsterdam Historical Museum at: http://www.ahm.nl/