1890s in Western fashion

Common card · No. 350110

Fashion in the 1890s in Western countries is characterized by long elegant lines, tall collars, and the rise of sportswear. It was an era of great dress reforms led by the invention of the drop-frame safety bicycle, which allowed women the opportunity to ride bicycles more comfortably, demanding appropriate clothing. The emphasis on athleticism influenced garments to allow for freedom of movement, and the promotion of less rigid gender roles influenced a change in dress which allowed for more self-expression. A more natural silhouette of women's bodies became popular. Another great influence on women's fashions of this era, particularly among those considered part of the Aesthetic Movement in America, was the political and cultural climate. Changes in women's dress reflected women taking on more active roles in their communities and in the political world. The 1890s also saw changes to how fashion was presented to consumers. While illustrations still dominated fashion magazines, printed...

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