The Intricacies of Fashion – A Saga of Waists, Hemlines and Bust-lines

The world of fashion can portray a significant assortment of ideas and cults dependent upon your own tastes and needs. However, it goes without saying, that many women who follow fashion in a sense to put themselves under this pressure just to appear a trendsetter. This has happened, over a significant period of time, which dates back to the 1800s. It is illustrated by the type of fashions involved and the constraints put upon the female gender

When considering this, it is fascinating and somewhat amusing to see the earnest attention that has been paid to the portrayal of a woman’s waist, hemline and bust-line and the various aspects displayed by the name of fashion. In fact, it has been one of the most influential and vital factors to the overall look of women’s fashion generally, over the years. One from which we have not looked back.

Do You Have a Waist?

Going back in time to the Victorian era, when it immediately comes to mind how the women folk dressed to enhance their best features. Although the fashion was designed to have an extremely full and sweeping effect, undergarments were worn to produce this style. However, the most crucial part of their dress was the diminutive waist they created, which was necessary to give their appearance, they desire admired, both by the wearer and the observer, as well as fashion itself.

However, the world of fashion developed a style of a more standard appearance in the 1900s. It was in 1910 when the women’s dress tended to produce a gentler look, not harsh and tightly fitting, as had been the case in the 1800s. Women no longer required the need of help, in reducing their waist to the minimum possible, as the fashion had, thankfully, progressed and changed accordingly. A more relaxed approach had been introduced to a woman’s dress, and relief was experienced by the female gender. Fashion was now enjoyable once more.

Does This Short Hemline Really Make me Look Good?

By the 1920s, a new style emerged taking away the emphasis of the waistline. It gave a more high-waisted approach and moved the attention from the waistline to the hemline, raising it to reveal much more of a woman’s legs than before. This change was to remain until the present day but, at that time. It was seen as too drastic, and eyebrows were raised in some quarters. Due to this change in emphasis, it was thought by some that with the waistline covered, a more masculine appearance would prevail. However, with more attention paid to the legs, the male gender was not entirely disappointed.

However, relief was at hand, as in the 1930s, a much more graceful image was introduced, reverting to a normal waistline again but, to the delight of most women, not as small as it had once been. A more womanly appearance was now required, and the dress was designed accordingly.

My Bust-line is My Best Line.

The 1940s saw a return to small waists again, with an increasing bust-line, which actually helped accentuate the waistline even more. The fact that skirts tended to be extremely full complemented the overall effect well. In the 1950s, the high-waisted look returned, accompanied by an emphasis on shoulders.

When the sixties arrived, the revelation that was the mini-skirt was thrust upon us, although eyebrows were once again raised, they were probably not male. This, once again, allowed women to relax while the accentuation shifted from their waistline to the hemline.

In fact, from the sixties onwards, the woman’s waist has not actually made a comeback to the extreme proportions seen back in the 1800s. This is looked upon by many females very favorably as different fashions are worn. So if you tend to have a large waistline; it certainly does not need to alter how you dress.