A bloomer is a type of full-length women's undergarment that was popular in the mid-19th century. It consisted of a long-sleeved, ankle-length dress made from heavy cotton or flannel fabric and featured wide legs to accommodate petticoats. Bloomers were designed to be more practical than the tightly laced corsets and restrictive undergarments that were commonly worn at the time, allowing for greater freedom of movement and comfort. The invention of bloomers was associated with the women's suffrage and temperance movements, as well as the broader push for social reform during this period.