Catherine Vercuiel

Catherine Vercuiel

April 5, 2025

13 Things Women Couldn’t Do 100+ Years Ago: A Look into Women’s Rights History

4. Pants? How Dare You!

A collection of Levi's jeans arranged side by side showing different washes and styles. The jeans range from dark indigo to light blue, with price tags and labels visible. One pair has a "LEVI'S PREMIUM" tag attached.
Credit: Pexels

Women wearing pants once sparked outrage. Many states enforced laws forbidding women from dressing like men. Violators could face arrest. Fashion designers introduced practical designs between 1910 and 1920, slowly changing public opinion. Movie stars like Marlene Dietrich challenged norms by wearing trousers. This clothing freedom symbolized a step toward personal choice.