1904 Bathing Dress (RETIRED)

[C.I.Fairfield]

This outfit was released in 2005 and retired about 2007. The outfit is very similar to the 1997 Limited Edition Bathing Costume, which is reviewed HERE.

In Samantha’s time, bathing suits were for wading, not swimming! Her bathing dress has built-in bloomers and matching tights. The swim bonnet adds a bright touch, and her beach shoes protect her feet from sharp rocks. Includes a Piney Point life preserver, plus a sturdy metal bucket and shovel to make plenty of sand castles. Includes American Girl trading cards.


This is almost exactly the same as the LE version. They added white piping around the arms, collar, skirt waistband, and shoes. The hat is now a little mob cap. To be absolutely historically accurate, you should tuck the hair up in the cap, but I don't like to do that.

The set also now comes with navy blue tights and a sand bucket and shovel. The tights are the same kind as Nellie's tights, so they're a little thin. They are also a little tight, but work well enough. The sand buck it metal and very cool.

While the romper with removable skirt is accurate (bloomers were attached to the bodice so they wouldn't sag), the construction of the skirt (open in back) is not. Overall, I give the outfit a B, moving to A because of the accessories.

Outfit and Accessories:


Romper Without Skirt:

[zeemeems]

Very sturdy high-quality thick cloth. The bonnet is a plain white cloth. The slippers are a bit misshaped. The lifesaver is a bit big and already inflated. But I give this outfit an A.



Kirsten looks good in it too.

[bab*]

I am a completionist, so I have both versions of Sam's bathing Suit. I would just like to add that, if you are choosing which one to get, I reccommend the second version. In person, the white piping really adds a lot and makes it a much cuter look. The second one is also made of a crisp, heavier fabric that is more of a sharp navy, while the first one is a soft, thin fabric that is a softer navy. Also, the lifesaver that comes with the second one is hard plastic, while the first version came with a styrofoam lifesaver, which gets dinged and dented easily.

[starwenn]

I just got the second version of Sam's Bathing Costume on eBay. The lot just came with the suit, skirt, cap, shoes, hanger, and collectable cards. I've been wanting either this or Samantha's Bicycle Outfit for my Sam as a summer play outfit for a long time, and I'm definately not disappointed. The romper and skirt are high-quality, heavy-weight cotton. The ruffled cap is a cute touch. The shoes are a tad hard to get on my PM Sam's feet with black Springfield Collection stockings on, but not too bad.

Along with the Middy Dress, this is a must-have summer outfit for Samantha, Nellie, Rebecca, and other late Victorian/Edwardian era dolls.

[WildPigeonChase]

I also got this outfit off ebay, so I just have the suit, skirt, bonnet, shoes, and cards. No tights, life preserver, or pail/bucket sadly.

But it is still a great outfit. Very accurate for the time period, and looks very crisp and bright compared to the first version.

I didn't have any problem fitting it on my slightly chubby Sam.

[igsbeth]

This outfit does not get a lot of attention in AG fandom, I think. Bathing suits for dolls with cloth bodies are a bit silly anyway, and this one lacks a certain glamour. I bought this one on clearance as it was being discontinued.



My least favorite piece is the mob cap. It is nicely made and has stood the test of time. It stays on her head nicely. Nonetheless, I just think it is hard to get it to sit nicely on the doll's head. Sam rarely wears it.

The bathing suit itself is two pieces. One piece is a skirts that closes with a snap. The other is a one piece jump suit, worn under the skirt. Both are made of the same heavy material. I don't know what it would be like to swim in, but the effect is very nice.

I like the row of double buttons on the front. The details on the sleeves are quite amazing. It has a Peter Pan collar. Mine is bent from storage, but the collar is meant to lie down flat.



The slippers are probably the flimsiest part of the outfit. Obviously, they need to be lightweight in order to swim in. These are just made of fabric and cardboard. The piping on the edges is a nice touch. The polka dot fabric matches some of the detailing on the swimsuit and mob cap.

I think this is a really solid piece, and I am glad I own it.