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Women’s Suits Breaking Fashion Barriers

Women’s Suits Breaking Fashion Barriers

As it develops and becomes more sophisticated throughout time, fashion influences society, and society influences fashion. 

Women’s Suits Breaking Fashion Barriers

Prior to the current generation’s fashion trend, women’s suits were a controversial and highly divisive matter. Women’s fashion breaks barriers, from skirt lengths to shoes and accessories. The suit is one of the contemporary fashion trends; it symbolizes freedom and empowered people.

Photos: Fashion, New Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide. Foreword by Caryn Franklin

At first, it was for riding

In the 1660s, horseback riding was the main form of transportation and women wore tailored coats like men’s. Its purpose was to make travel comfortable and secure. Usually, designs were with collar and tie, nipped-in waist, jacket tails, and full loose skirts called “safeguard”.

Sportswear and for other outdoor activities

While maintaining the strong point of having small waistlines in women’s clothing, they also adopted the daywear for sports and other outdoor activities like country walking, archery, cycling, and even bathing. For bathing suits, cuts and designs mostly show no function; society back then was more conservative and women were not allowed to reveal a lot of skin. 

Trousers are in fashion

In the 1800s, Sarah Bernhardt, a French actress, made headlines and received backlash for having a bold fashion statement. She publicly wore a custom-made trouser suit in Paris, which she referred to as her “boy clothes”. 

Photo: Museum of London

After the controversial appearance of a trouser suit worn by a woman, it took a long time for pantsuits to be acceptable in fashion. A large number of women adapted to men’s fashion since they served in the war and entered the workforce. Eventually, pantsuits and jumpsuits became widely accepted in society, and a variety of styles became alternatives for skirts and dresses, and a new fashion statement at the same time. 

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Contemporary fashion

Today, a woman’s suit is used not just for horseback riding, work, and outdoor activities; it is not limited in styles and designs; and it is accepted in society. It is also beyond the oversimplified image of attending job interviews, formal events, and courtroom attire. Women’s suits now have a broad variety in the fashion world. 

Photo: Raymond Hall/GC Images

Owning a fashion style should go hand in hand with retaining its history and truly recognizing the bold resistance that comes along with it. It should feel more empowering and progressive. 

Do you have a favorite suit?

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