In the 1920s, women who donned men's blazers were rebelling against traditional gender roles and asserting their professional status in a male-dominated workforce. Fast forward to present day, blazers have become a fashionable addition to women's wardrobes, often paired with sarees or jeans for a semi-formal or casual look. Let's delve into the history of the women's blazer.
During World War I, women stepped into the workforce to fill the vacancies left by men who went off to fight. This new type of work, which was physically demanding, required practical attire that allowed ease of movement. Thus, women took to altering their husband's suits to wear as their own workwear. This marked the beginning of women embracing androgynous clothing in the pursuit of professional equality.
In the early 1930s, the trend of women wearing men-inspired fashion, including suits and bow ties, was popularized by famous actresses like Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, and Katharine Hepburn. This further cemented the trend of women embracing androgynous fashion.
In 1930s Japan, Takiko Mizunoe, a popular actress, was also known for her love of wearing men's attire, earning her the nickname "fair lady in male attire." This highlights the trend of women embracing androgynous fashion was not limited to the West but was prevalent globally.
Towards the end of the 1930s, a cover of Vogue magazine featuring a model in a pantsuit sparked even more interest in androgynous fashion for women. The editors wrote that although the tailoring of the pantsuit was undeniably masculine, women had made it their own with their choice of colors and accessories. This further encouraged women to embrace blazers and pantsuits as a staple in their wardrobe.
1930's: Mesmerising Men-inspired Fashion
In the mid-1940s, with the end of World War II, women's roles shifted from working outside the home to being housewives, and as a result, they returned to wearing dresses and skirts, putting aside their androgynous workwear. This marked a temporary departure from the trend of women embracing men-inspired fashion.
The second wave of feminism in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s saw women using fashion to express their views and assert their independence. Betty Friedan's best-selling book "The Feminine Mystique" decried the limited role society assigned to women and called for women to have equal opportunities. In support of this movement, women embraced men-inspired clothing as a statement of their independence. The 1977 movie "Annie Hall," featuring Diane Keaton's character in menswear, further popularized androgynous fashion for women.
Post-1990s, blazers have undergone many transformations, from sculptural shoulders, buttoned vests, and plaid patterns to being paired with slouchy boyfriend jeans for a semi-casual style. The use of colorful prints and fabrics like the MIRCHI KOMACHI blazers has become popular.
Androgynous fashion, aimed at breaking away from gender stereotypes, has gained popularity in recent years and blazers, being unisex clothing, play a significant role in this trend. The versatility of blazers has made them a popular choice for fashion-conscious individuals who want to make a statement while still remaining comfortable and relaxed.
Here are some Tracy Studio suggestions on trending blazers
