Fashion has always reflected social norms, and for much of history, those norms were tightly controlled, especially for women. Clothing wasn’t just about style; it was a symbol of gender roles, morality, and class. While many modern fashion choices feel ordinary today, they were once taboo, controversial, or outright banned. Here are 10 surprising things women couldn’t wear just a few decades ago, and the cultural shifts that changed everything.
Table of Contents
1. Pants in Public
Up until the mid-20th century, pants were largely off-limits to women, especially in professional or formal settings. In many places including parts of the U.S., women were legally prohibited from wearing trousers in public, with dress codes enforcing skirts or dresses. Iconic figures like Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich challenged norms by wearing slacks, but they often faced backlash.
2. Bikinis
When the bikini was introduced in 1946, it was so scandalous that even models refused to wear it. The religious organizations declared it sinful, and many countries banned it from public beaches. Even in more liberal parts of the world, women were shamed or fined for wearing bikinis. It wasn’t until the 1960s, with the revolution and rising female autonomy, that the bikini gained mainstream acceptance.
3. Mini Skirts
In the 1960s, mini skirts became a symbol of youth rebellion and female empowerment. But at the time, they were considered highly inappropriate and even vulgar by conservative standards. Women were criticized for showing too much skin, and many faced social ostracism or workplace penalties. In some countries, women wearing mini skirts were even denied service or kicked out of public spaces.
4. Flat Shoes in the Workplace
It may sound surprising, but many professional environments especially in the 1980s and 1990s required women to wear high heels as part of the dress code. Flats were seen as too casual or even unprofessional. In some industries, particularly hospitality and corporate offices, women could be reprimanded or sent home for wearing anything but pumps. This sparked workplace discrimination debates, with women campaigning for the right to comfort over outdated expectations.
5. Athletic Wear
Before the rise of athleisure, women weren’t encouraged to wear sportswear especially in public. Leggings, track pants, and fitted workout tops were considered inappropriate outside the gym. It wasn’t until the 1990s and early 2000s, with the influence of celebrities and fitness culture, that sportswear became fashionable. Even then, women who wore leggings or joggers outside of workouts were often judged for being “sloppy” or “too casual.”
6. Sleeveless Tops
Believe it or not, sleeveless tops were once controversial, especially in religious or conservative communities. In schools, churches, and even government buildings, women were often required to cover their shoulders, with sleeveless tops considered immodest or inappropriate. In the workplace, such clothing was sometimes equated with unprofessionalism. It wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s, when more women entered the workforce and pushed back against strict codes, that sleeveless styles became acceptable.
7. Denim Jeans
Denim was long considered men’s workwear and completely inappropriate for women especially in formal or business settings. Even in casual environments, women wearing jeans were often criticized for being unfeminine. In the U.S., it wasn’t until World War II, when women entered factories and farms, that jeans became more acceptable. Still, post-war society pushed women back into dresses and skirts.
8. Bold Makeup
For much of the 20th century, bold makeup, like red lipstick or smoky eyes, was considered inappropriate for “respectable” women. Heavy makeup was often associated with actresses, sex workers, or socialites, and wearing it in public could draw unwanted assumptions. Women who dared to wear bright lipsticks or dramatic eyes were often accused of being vain or provocative.
9. Jumpsuits and Rompers
Jumpsuits and rompers were originally worn by pilots, factory workers, and eventually male soldiers, far from feminine fashion. When designers began crafting stylish versions for women in the 1960s and 1970s, they were met with skepticism and discomfort. The idea of a one-piece, pants-based outfit for women clashed with traditional expectations of femininity. Many women were discouraged from wearing them outside of artistic or counterculture circles.
10. Suits and Ties
For decades, suits were the exclusive domain of men, especially those in positions of power. Women who dared to wear tailored suits, especially with ties or blazers, were often viewed as too aggressive or inappropriate. In the workplace, they were sometimes denied promotions or ridiculed for “trying too hard to be a man.” The shift began slowly in the 1980s, with “power dressing” allowing women to enter boardrooms in padded shoulders and dark suits.
