By Milcah Tanimu
Many items considered feminine today were once designed for men. If you see a man wearing high heels or carrying a handbag, it may seem unusual. However, these fashion choices were once quite common.
Gender exists on a spectrum, and traits often labeled as feminine are not inherently so. Here are five feminine fashion items that originally belonged to men:
1. High Heels
High heels, often associated with women’s fashion, were initially designed for men. In the 10th century, Persian soldiers wore them to secure their feet in stirrups while riding. By the 17th century, European aristocrats adopted high heels to appear taller and more imposing.
2. Handbags
The modern handbag evolved from men’s hand-held bags in the early 1900s. Designers transformed these masculine bags into more feminine styles, adding features like closures and compartments for functionality. Over time, women’s handbags became the preferred accessory.
3. Thongs
Thongs were originally worn by men, revealing the buttocks while covering private areas. They first appeared in Africa around 42,000 BC and were later seen in Egypt, Greece, and Japan. This garment was designed for both practicality and comfort.
4. Stockings
Hosiery, including stockings and tights, was made for men long before it became associated with women’s fashion. Since the 9th century, men of higher social classes wore colorful or white stockings, while lower-class men typically wore black.
5. Menstrual Pads
Interestingly, Benjamin Franklin invented disposable menstrual pads. Initially designed to stop bleeding in injured soldiers, they became popular among nurses for menstrual use due to their absorbent nature.
These items illustrate how societal norms shape our understanding of masculinity and femininity. What was once considered masculine has evolved, demonstrating that fashion transcends traditional gender boundaries.
