Question

Changes in women’s clothing came about as a result of the two World Wars. Mention one change.

Answer 1

Hint: World War I or the First World War was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. World War II or the Second World War was a global war that lasted from the year 1939 to 1945.

Complete answer:
Due to the two world wars, men were busily engaged in their military camps while women were forced to earn a living. So, they were urged to work in factories which brought a change in their clothing.

When women went out to factories for work, they needed clothes that were convenient and comfortable. One such change in women’s clothing is that many European women stopped wearing jewellery and luxurious clothes.

For many women, World War 1 and War World 2 were about the gaining of strength and mobility. As many men had to serve in the war, women took over many male responsibilities like earn for their and their families’ livings. Women have always been limited in strength and mobility; however, both World War I and World War II had changed this discrimination.

Women in both wars took on jobs in the war premises which included being military nurses, factory workers, journalists, and many more occupations that helped the war and soldiers. Women joined the military forces to become nurses that helped heal soldiers who were injured. Although men doubted the effort women can put in an emergency situation, women proved themselves worthy and efficient which made men become more certain.

Note: The other changes that came about in women's clothing as a result of the two World Wars were:
- Social banners were eroded as women began to dress in similar ways.
- Bright colours were avoided and only sober colours were worn.
- By 1917, many women worked in munition factories. They wore a working uniform of blouse and trousers with scarves which was later replaced by khadi overalls and caps.
- Clothes became plainer and simpler as a symbol of professionalism. Long skirts became shorter as it collected the dirt in the ground and soon trousers became a vital part of western women's clothing giving them greater freedom of movement.
- Corsets were abolished because they affected women's health.
- Women began cutting their hair short.
- Thus, clothing was defined by pressures and trends of the new times and the dominant cultural attitude of seriousness and professionalism.