Fashion or Freedom?
Imagine living in a world where wearing pants could land you in legal trouble, or where corsets squeezed the breath—and agency—out of women. Fashion has often been celebrated as a form of self-expression, yet its history reveals a darker side—one of control, restriction, and sacrifice.
Today, we have the freedom to choose what we wear—or do we? Let’s journey through the struggles of women’s fashion history and discover how to reclaim true comfort and functionality in clothing.
A Glimpse Into the Past: Fashion as a Tool of Control
The Corset Chronicles
For centuries, the corset was a staple of women’s fashion in Europe. Worn from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, corsets symbolized a woman’s virtue, status, and beauty. But at what cost? I guess women endured fainting spells, deformed rib-cages, and even life-threatening organ damage—all to meet societal beauty standards.
The Pants Prohibition
Did you know that in the early Days of Denim (1800s): Jeans were originally designed as durable work-wear for men, particularly miners, cowboys, and laborers. They were rugged, practical, and associated with masculine roles. Women wearing jeans during this time was virtually unheard of.
in 1800s Paris, women were banned from wearing pants without police permission? This wasn’t just a quirk of the past—this law technically persisted until 2013. Even as women fought for equality in the 20th century, they were often met with restrictions that reinforced traditional gender roles.
In the 1920s-30s, women working on farms or in factories during wartime began wearing jeans for practicality, but this was often confined to necessity, not choice. They were still expected to return to skirts or dresses when off-duty.
Jeans for women were introduced commercially in the 1930s by brands like Levi’s, but they were marketed as “western wear” for rural women, not mainstream fashion.
Modern-Day Denim Day: Denim Day originated in the 1990s in response to a court ruling in Italy where a rape conviction was overturned because the victim was wearing tight jeans, which the court argued required her cooperation to remove. Women wore denim to protest this injustice, and it became a symbol of fighting against victim-blaming and advocating for women’s rights.
Post-WWII Shift: After World War II, when women had taken on traditionally male roles, some continued to wear pants, including jeans. However, societal backlash pushed many back into skirts and dresses, associating femininity with specific clothing.
1960s-70s Feminist Movement: Jeans became a symbol of rebellion and gender equality. Women embraced them as part of the broader movement for personal and political freedom. This was also the era of protests against dress codes in schools and workplaces that forbade women from wearing pants.
The High Heel Hurdle
High heels, originally worn by men in the 16th century, became a marker of femininity in later centuries. However, they often caused long-term physical harm. Yet, they remained a societal expectation, tied to ideas of elegance and desirability.
Fashion as Resistance: Women Who Defied Norms
The Suffragettes and Rational Dress Movement
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, suffragettes and reformers like Amelia Bloomer championed practical clothing like bloomers and loose dresses. They recognized that restrictive clothing mirrored the societal constraints placed on women.
Denim Day and Modern Resistance
Fast forward to 1992, when a controversial Italian court ruling inspired Denim Day. This global protest against victim-blaming highlights how clothing remains a battleground for women’s rights. From jeans to hijabs, women’s fashion continues to spark debate and resistance.
Rethinking Clothing: Comfort, Science, and Liberation
Think like an Engineer
As women, we’re often encouraged to think of fashion in terms of trends or beauty. But what if we approached it like an engineer designs a building? Think about insulation—how layers can trap heat in winter or keep us cool in summer. Think about structure—how fabrics can support movement and comfort.
It’s time to stop prioritizing appearances and embrace clothing that works for us. Here’s how:
Layering for Thermal Comfort: Use thin, breathable layers for insulation instead of bulky, restrictive garments.
Choosing Functional Fabrics: Opt for natural fibers like wool for warmth or cotton for breathability. For active-wear, try moisture-wicking synthetics.
Prioritizing Mobility: Avoid clothing that limits movement or posture, like overly tight fits or high heels.
Breaking the Stereotype
When you let go of societal norms that dictate how women should look, you reclaim your power. Clothing isn’t about conforming; it’s about comfort, function, and confidence.
Dress for Yourself, Not for the Norm
The struggles of the women before us are a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go. Reject the illusion of choice that prioritizes appearance over comfort. Think practically, dress scientifically, and challenge the norms that no longer serve us.
Clothing is a form of freedom. Let’s honor the sacrifices of the past by embracing choices that truly empower us today.