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Trousers

Joan of Arc was famously known for dressing in men ’ s armor in the 15th century, and many Greek legends portrayed women fighting alongside men in a similar fashion. In the past, history and stories created a clear line between clothing that was deemed feminine and masculine. This line resulted in concrete gender norms and stereotypes. Women and trousers were vaguely explored prior to the first wave of feminism, but it wasn ’t until Coco Chanel arrived in the fashion scene when the view of femininity began changing. She questioned the frills and lace of the past and revolutionized women ’ s wear by introducing them to trousers. Most famously she said, "I gave them back their bodies: bodies that were drenched in sweat, due to fashion ' s finery, lace, corsets, underclothes, padding. " Pants were no longer just fashion statements, but political statements as they challenged traditional feminine norms.

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