Men's Ware Changed Tradition

Men’s Ware Changed Tradition

Traditions have existed throughout history. Most were established many, many decades ago by people living in a different time. Typically most traditions remain unaltered throughout the years. However, occasionally a new tradition will be created, or an old tradition will be changed to accommodate an ever changing world. One tradition that has changed throughout history is the style of women’s clothing. Women once were only seen in long dresses with feminine prints. Now the concept of men’s ware is prevalent. Women are wearing pants, power suits, blazers, and ties in every day attire. The freedom women have experienced in their clothing choices are reflected in their career choices, and every day activities. As women’s style of dress has become more masculine, their role and acceptance in society has also changed.

The traditional idea of women was once very limited. Women were only accepted by society if they wore dresses, skirts, or scarves with very feminine patterns. The majority of women were also homemakers; they cooked, cleaned, and took care of the children. There was a distinct separation between what was acceptable for a male, and what was acceptable for a female. Rarely, did the two mix worlds.

Today, those worlds mix. Women are wearing clothes that were once only tailored for men, and are becoming increasingly successful in the workplace. Women are seen in blazers, power suits, ties, and pants. Clothing stores, from high end to bargain, carry masculine clothes for women in muted colors. Celebrities, young and old, are photographed in men’s ware, and high profile magazines publish spreads geared towards men’s ware. Women also hold positions as high as CEO or CFO, senator, and editor. These looks and roles of women are now what are accepted by society.

People usually attribute the word tradition to the past, and believe traditions never change. Catherine G. Latterell states, “…traditions are practices that have been handed down to us by past generations” (176). Later she says, “The reality is that many traditions are more recent inventions” (177). When comparing the previous tradition of women’s clothing to the new masculine style of dress it is very clear that this tradition has changed. Women now have more choices, and freedom regarding dress and this is directly reflected upon their professional lives. Women have more education and career choices now as well. Society has also changed because of this new tradition. Society now accepts women in a professional sense, as attractive without being overly feminine, and as a successful contributing member of society. More equality between men and women can be witnessed, and it is no longer just the mans role to provide for his family. Men and women are doing this together.

With any new tradition there is resistance. Not everyone is accepting of this new tradition. Some powerful men are not ready to stand side by side with a women, work below a women, or look past the clothing. Inevitably, change and acceptance take time. One very successful and influential woman has had to deal with the backlash. Hilary Clinton, a senator from New York, recently ran for office in the 2008 election. She quickly became known for signature, streamlined pant suits. While some did not comment on the matter, others harshly criticized her. In the article “Wearing the Pants” in the “Washington Post” by Robin Givhan the author states, “The pantsuit is Clinton's uniform. Hers is a mix-and-match world, a grown-up land of Garanimals: black pants with gray jacket, tan jacket with black pants, tan jacket with tan pants. There are a host of reasons to explain Clinton's attachment to pantsuits. They are comfortable. They can be flattering, although not when the jacket hem aligns with the widest part of the hips (hypothetically speaking, of course). Does she even have hips?” Clinton is dressing how she chooses, an option not available many years ago. She is also trying to keep up with, and fit in to the corporate world. Unfortunately for Clinton, until this new tradition is widely accepted and tolerated, she will have to face the negativity and scrutiny.

As this tradition changed, society changed. Women have moved from the homemaker role in feminine clothes, to a professional, successful role in masculine clothing. Society has adjusted to this change in tradition, and as a result has become more accepting of women in general. The media, celebrities, and magazines are also helping to make this new tradition widely acceptable, and available. Women have more freedom concerning clothing options, and their role in society due to this new tradition.