National Council of Catholic Women's Resolution on Modesty in Dress (1928)

[20] WHEREAS careful study of costumes made by the best sports-goods houses and used by the majority of private and public schools and colleges, leads to the conclusion that the necessary requirements for an appropriate costume for the girl and young woman in athletics may be met by the knicker-bloomer of material suited to the season; middie [sic] Blouses for children; tailored shirts with long (or short) sleeves for older girls; sweaters, sleeveless or with sleeves according to season; long stockings and "sneakers;"

BE IT RESOLVED that the National Council of Catholic Women recommend the above costume as best suited to feminine dignity and the best interest of sportsmanship and good health.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Council condemn "trunks" and other such objectionable extremes of costume which are as inappropriate and undesirable for women as are the particular forms of athletics with which they are especially associated.

The National Council of Catholic Women directs attention again to the Resolution on "Christian Conduct" passed by the Convention of 1927 and reaffirms its positive opposition to bathing and other "beauty" contests as vulgar and dangerous to the morals of Christian women.

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NCCW = National Council of Catholic Women

Source: "Resolutions Adopted at the 8th Annual Convention of the N. C. C. W.: Modesty in Dress," National Catholic Welfare Council Bulletin 10, no. 6 (November 1928): 20