Today, if you spot a man wearing high heels, a thong, and carrying a handbag, it might seem like he’s dressing in a very feminine way. Yet, these female fashion items originally made for men were once standard in men’s wardrobes.
In earlier eras, high heels, thongs, and handbags were functional and stylish choices for men, symbolizing status and class rather than gender expression.
Gender, as we understand it now, exists on a broad spectrum, where behaviours or styles often labelled as “feminine” or “effeminate” don’t belong exclusively to one gender.
Many traits and styles we consider feminine today have roots in male fashion, showing that what society defines as masculine or feminine has shifted significantly over time.
Here are five very feminine fashion items that were originally made for men:
1. High Heels
High heels are perhaps the most surprising item on this list of female fashion items originally made for men. Today, they are icons of femininity, yet their origins are deeply rooted in practical military use for men.
In the 10th century, Persian soldiers wore high heels to secure their feet in stirrups while on horseback, which allowed for better balance and accuracy in combat.
High heels made their way into European fashion in the 17th century when male aristocrats embraced them not only for practicality but also as a status symbol. High heels gave men an imposing height, adding a powerful edge to their appearances.
Over time, high heels evolved into symbols of sophistication and grace, becoming strongly associated with women’s fashion.
2. Handbag
The handbag, a staple in modern women’s wardrobes, is another example of female fashion items originally made for men. In the early 1900s, hand-held bags were popular among men who needed a practical way to carry personal items.
Over time, designers began adapting these bags for women by adding feminine touches like closures, zippers, and multiple compartments, making them more functional and stylish.
By the mid-20th century, handbags had become an essential female accessory, reflecting the daily needs and lifestyles of women. This shift not only transformed the design but also redefined handbags as symbols of feminine fashion.
3. Thongs
Another surprising entry on the list of female fashion items originally made for men is the thong. Long before they became a popular choice of women’s underwear, thongs were worn by men, specifically designed to cover the private areas while leaving the buttocks exposed.
Archaeological evidence shows that thongs date back to around 42,000 BC in Africa, and similar garments were later seen in ancient Egypt, Greece, Crete, and Japan.
These early thongs were both functional and symbolic, often worn by men of higher status or those involved in athletic or ritual activities. Over centuries, this minimalist garment evolved, eventually becoming popular among women as a stylish and versatile undergarment.
4. Stockings
Stockings now considered a delicate, feminine accessory, were actually a male fashion staple for centuries. Consequemtly, this makes them another fascinating example of female fashion items originally made for men.
Dating back to the 9th century, men wore various forms of legwear, from breeches to pantyhose, primarily as practical garments for warmth and comfort. Stockings were commonly worn by men of the upper classes. They often wear white or vibrant colours to denote wealth and status.
Meanwhile, working-class men wore simple black stockings. By the 16th century, stockings were an essential element of a man’s wardrobe, showcasing his social standing and style. Over time, this style transitioned to women’s fashion, where stockings became a symbol of elegance and allure.
5. Menstrual Pad
Among the most surprising female fashion items originally made for men are disposable menstrual pads. Although primarily thought of as a product designed for women’s hygiene, the disposable pad has roots in military medicine.
Invented by Benjamin Franklin, these pads were initially developed to help injured soldiers stop bleeding more effectively. Their absorbent and easy-to-use nature caught the attention of nurses, who began using them as menstrual pads. They recognized their practical benefits for women’s hygiene.
This dual purpose led to the eventual evolution of the menstrual pad into a women’s health product. It transformed a wartime invention into an everyday essential for women.
Rethinking Masculinity and Femininity in Fashion
These five female fashion items originally made for men challenge the notion of fashion as being inherently “masculine” or “feminine.” Rather, the ways these items transitioned from male to female wardrobes reflect a shift in cultural attitudes and values over time.
Fashion remains a dynamic expression, evolving as society redefines gender norms and personal identity. In the end, these female fashion items originally made for men remind us that fashion has always been. Indeed, it continues to be, a rich blend of practicality, style, and self-expression.
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