A reader's inquiry, taken from a German fashion magazine from 1907

Question: We'd like to spend this year's summer holiday in Heiligendamm at the Baltic Sea. I heard that most of the guests there are of very noble birth, and that is why I'd like to be perfectly equipped for our stay there. At the moment I'm thinking about a suitable bathing-costume. What is fashionable at the present moment are cross-striped bathing-suits. But I doubt if I can wear such, as I'm a bit stout. I'd be very grateful if you'd advise me as to what bathing-suit I could choose.

Answer: The bathing-suits you mentioned are special sport dresses. And they are especially intended for very young ladies. The cross-striped ones in particular are suitable for tall and slim persons only. For married women such a suit is not appropriate. Besides that, the cross stripes would make you appear stouter than you actually are. And, what is most important: you cannot wear a corset under such a suit, whereas I'm sure that you don't want to do without one, for the sake of your figure!

In case you still don't have a bathing-corset, we recommend that you get one; all renowned corset-factories offer rust-proof corset-types. If you want to appear really well-dressed and elegant at the beach, you should have your corsetier make a made-to-measure bathing-costume for you. This summer it is fashionable again to wear two-piece costumes (trousers and jacket). For your figure I recommend that you choose a rather long jacket with a belt, and all that in a rather dark colour; this will certainly have a positive effect on your appearance. While wanting to appear as slim as possible, don't make the mistake to lace yourself too tightly. Wear your corset as tight as usual. Too tight lacing is not graceful, it looks even awkward, especially under a wet bathing-suit.