Question

How are the styles of clothing related to the image of the VictorianEngland? Explain

Answer 1

1) Styles of clothing emphasised differences between men and women. Women in Victorian England were groomed from childhood to be docile and dutiful, submissive and obedient.

2) The ideal woman was one who could bear pain and suffering. While men were expected to be serious, strong, independent, and aggressive, women were seen as delicate, passive etc.

3) Thus, the norms of clothing reflected these ideals. From childhood girls were tightly laced up and dressed in stays. Stays are support as part of woman’s dress to hold their body straight.

4) The effort was to restrict the growth of their bodies and contain them with small moulds. After getting little older, the girls had to wear tight fitting corsets. Corsets are closely fitting and stiff inner bodice, which give shape and support to the figure of women

5) These tightly laced, small - waisted women were admired as attractive, elegant and graceful in Victorian England.

6) Thus, clothing played a part in creating the image of frail, submissive Victorian women