'Condemned as unnatural': 10 images of 19th-Century Parisian women who rebelled against the trouser ban
In 1800, women in Paris were banned from wearing trousers. Throughout the 19th and early 20th Century, many flouted or found a way around the law, rebelling against the stifling restrictions in order to dress – or in some cases live – as men. Here are 10 images capturing their distinctive style and their bravery.
TL;DR
- Parisian women were banned from wearing trousers in 1800, a law intended to curb their demands for rights and political participation.
- Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, many women defied this law, using masculine clothing for practical reasons, freedom of movement, and to enter male-only professions and universities.
- The adoption of male clothing was particularly significant for the lesbian subculture in Paris, offering a means of self-expression and agency.
- Women like the author George Sand, archaeologist Jane Dieulafoy, artist Rosa Bonheur, and socialite Mathilde de Morny (Missy) are highlighted as figures who challenged gender norms through their dress.
- Activities like cycling became a permitted exception, symbolizing female emancipation, though even this was subject to societal scrutiny.
- The press often caricatured women who adopted masculine styles, reflecting societal fascination and a need for social control.
- The ban, largely ignored for decades, was not formally repealed until 2013, with modern Parisian women owing a debt of gratitude to these earlier rebels.