A garment introduced in 1919 for girls, it allowed freedom of movement with its full pantlike shape. Its name is taken from the woman credited with the invention of the "bloomer," Amelia Jencks Bloomer of New York. Bloomer believed in functional clothing and introduced women to "Turkish" pants. It was a variation of these pants that became bloomers. When constructed as a one-piece garment, inclusive of a top, the bloomer-romper was born. Adaptations were developed in the sleepwear and junior sportswear markets in the 1980s.
See also Childrenswear.
Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry. Francesca Sterlacci and Joanne Arbuckle.