The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

Extremes in Dress Condemned

The first extreme was that of wearing dresses made with a trail, or train, from ten inches to half a yard or more in length, according to the fancy of the wearer. These were often left to drag upon the ground, and were denominated by the gentlemen as “street sweepers.” The second extreme was exactly the opposite, and was in a style as nearly like that worn by the men as possible. This fashion was adopted by those following in the wake of Miss Bloomer, and hence was called the “bloomer dress.” Finally the name was changed to the “American Costume.” Conventions were held from place to place by the advocates of this costume, and many of our sisters were in favor of adopting it. Some did wear it. GSAM 362.1