The Rise of Women Wearing Men’s Clothes
Since the beginning of modern society, women have been wearing clothes traditionally made for men. Going as far back as the late 1800s, women have been creating looks that pushed the boundaries of gender roles, worn to empower themselves and break the mould of the dated idea of the male and female dress codes.
The Reason Why
Women began wearing menswear to gain more freedom and liberty. In the late 1800s, women that wanted to enter the workforce or take part in activities that contradicted the traditional expectations of them had to disguise themselves as men. By doing this, they could finally participate freely in activities such as smoking, drinking, and voting.
The Popularity of Menswear for Women
The 1920s saw the rise of more masculine pieces such as trousers, waistcoats, and blazers on the female form, during a period when women were becoming increasingly liberated. This continued on throughout the ’20s, but it was also in this decade that high fashion started to move away from menswear and towards a more feminine aesthetic.
It wasn’t until the ’70s and ’80s that menswear for women began to gain mainstream popularity. The likes of Diane Keaton and Mary Tyler Moore, characters that embraced menswear in their respective TV shows, helped to make it the norm.
Today’s Menswear Influence
Today, the influence of menswear on womenswear is undeniable. Many designs have taken on a more gender-neutral look, featuring characteristics that were traditionally considered ‘mens’. Blazers, trousers, and dress shirts are now all popular items found in the women’s section, and fashion trends such as the ‘oversized blazer’ and ‘boyfriend jeans’ remain popular items.
Conclusion
Women’s menswear has come a long way since the 1800s. From traditional gender roles to everyday items like blazers, trousers, and dress shirts, it’s clear that menswear has become a staple of fashion and style for women around the world. It’s great to see that the boundaries of gender roles have been pushed, and that women can now express themselves freely in ways that were previously only acceptable for men.
Key Takeaways:
- Women began wearing menswear in the late 1800s to gain more freedom.
- Menswear for women gained more mainstream popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Today, the influence of menswear on womenswear is undeniable.
- Women can now express themselves freely in ways that were previously only acceptable for men.