The Lesson Of Clothing Such As Women Clothing And Style

Clothing such as women clothing has long marked the social class of individuals throughout history. An individual could tell the income and social status of women simply by the way she dressed. This fact has not changed but the designs of apparel have changed drastically.

In the 17th Century, the common woman only had a couple of different dresses they could wear. It was very rare to find a commoner with more than this due to their limited income. However nobility and the wives of merchants were much more likely to have a large number of changes so they were never seen in the same dress by others of the same stature.

During the 1700s muslin fabric was introduced along with plumes, large ruffles and heavy hats. Pantaloons and petticoats were worn in layers under the overdress and every well dressed woman was accessorized by hats with large dyed plumes outstretching from them. Many times the plumes were dyed to match the color of the overdress.

Towards the end of the 18th Century it became apparent that women were highly irritated with the low cut necklines, the corsets and the ground dragging skirts that seemed to clean the street as they walked. It became a touchy subject for most women and most of the gentlemen wanted women fashions to remain the revealing and shapely styles as always.

With the 19th Century came rebellion and the shortening of skirts. Women considered removing the tight corsets and bustles but designers won the battle. Women’s apparel was still produced with many of the features that previously enhanced women’s shape. Gradually skirts were shortened and bustles were removed in an attempt to allow women to show their natural curves.

Shortly before the end of the century women began dressing with fewer ruffles and lace and began dressing in more straight line clothing. By this time, sewing machines were a common household appliance and women began making their own, more practical clothing that allowed them to better perform daily activities.

In the first part of the next century, skirts took on a shorter look revealing the ankles of many of the ladies of the time. Designers began playing with the lengths of many of the skirts and removed corsets and bustles. Women’s apparel took on a more practical design and became straight line but still included a short train.

The second decade of this century moved women’s clothing into the new era with ladies pants and shorts that were considered extremely revealing. These were popular with the lady of the house who had servants to perform their daily chores.

Once WWII began, the focus turned towards more practical and drab fashions. The rationing of material and fasteners such as buttons required women to use more belts and sashes. The later decades of the 20th Century brought a vast array of fashions from miniskirts, halter tops, bikini bathing suits and short-shorts. Much of the clothing such as women clothing, has changed drastically over the centuries in an effort to liberate women from the once constricting and restricting fashions of our ancestors.

It’s a fact that clothing can say a lot about an individual including his or her personality, style, income and social class. Check out our online Women’s clothing overview for lots more info on attire.