question_answer

In what ways do you think the notions of weakness and dependence came to be reflected in women's clothing?  

Answer:

                As women were considered weak and dependent, they needed to be strengthen in various ways, which included their clothing also. This reflected in the following items worn by women (i) Busk This was strip wood, whalebone or steel worn in front of the corset to stiffen and support it. (ii) Corset This was a close-fitting and stiff inner bodice to give shape and support to the woman's figure. (iii) Stays This was used as a support, as part of woman's dress to hold the body straight. (iv) Steel Rod with Semi-circle This was to support the chin of the woman so, that it did not droop.