ABSTRACT
In 1836, Lucretia Mott founded the American feminist movement in reaction to a society where many rights to vote, hold certain jobs, engage in certain leisure-time activities, etc were denied women. Mrs. Dexter Bloomer immediately launched a campaign of reform in women's dress based on the outfit in her journal, The Lily; the ensuing notoriety caused them to become known as 'Bloomers'. The rise of sporting activities played a key role in enabling women to adopt a freer form of dress. Marlene Dietrich, the internationally renowned German actress, furthered the trend by covering her legendary legs in a mannish slack suit. The use of slacks spread still further to other spheres of feminine living such as a leisurely evening at home. The feminine trend toward adopting men's wardrobe items became a necessity as opposed to a fashion whim when women were called to replace men in factory jobs during World War II.
