At the start of women's basketball in the late 1890s, it was a common belief that women were fragile beings and incapable of athletic competition.

As a direct result of this philosophy, rules for the women's version of the game were altered and the uniforms were much more conservative than they are now.

The "bloomer style" basketball uniform (left in picture) was worn by Laura Peterson, a Hunter, North Dakota high school basketball team member from 1921-1923. The loose fit of the uniform hid a woman's body and allowed freedom of movement.

Compare it to the NDSU uniform from the 1980s (right in picture). Times change.

Donors: Dr. Andrew & Myrene Peterson, NDSU Women's Athletic Deparment

1914 Bathing Suit (left in picture)

This suit was stylish and daring in 1914. Today we wonder how did that person ever swim in such a thing? But, covering the body modestly was very important. A corset and a pair of drawers (early underpants) were generally worn as the closest layer to the skin..

Donor: Catherine Carlson

1920's: Women Dare To Bare (center in picture)

As leisure time increased, lifestyles changed. Swimming became a major leisure sport and the bathing suit changed to reflect this new outlook. A suntan became a sign of a carefree lifestyle and bathing suits became more revealing. Wool bathing suits were skimpier than those of a decade earlier.

Donor: Zelda Zimmerman

1950's: Comfort and Style (right in picture)

This bathing suit belonging to a young mother. It reflects a more conservative style of suit in the 1950s. It's interesting to note that both this suit and the one of 1914 both feature "bloomers" as a part of the leg opening.

Donor: Avis Larick