Women's Clothing Style Timeline

The need for clothing started as early as the creation of mankind. As depicted in ancient paintings and sculpture, the first form of clothing were plant leaves and tree barks. Its purpose was just to cover the sexual part of both sexes. Come to think of it, clothing is a basic need that arises as soon as a person is born.

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Through the years, mankind learned to weave fabrics. Women’s style in clothing gradually evolved to consist of a long flowing gown to consume the textile made in rolls. So, one roll or bundle of material is made into one gown for a woman. It would have been such a disgrace to wear a gown and see another woman wearing the same fabric as the one worn!

The style in women’s clothing changed again with the need for warm clothes. Lavish materials were changed into multi-layered clothing with petticoats and apron. The years of elegance had diminished and women need to work in their homes. As technological developments were lacking then, clothes were created, not just to cover their body, but also to keep them warm.

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The industrial revolution ushered another change in the style of women’s clothing. Bringing forth electronic developments, women shifted to functional clothing. This era also marked the fight of women for equality at the workplace. Business suits, jeans and tee-shirts are now available for the women to wear.

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Tee-shirts are now made with or without collar, without sleeves or with short or long sleeves, and with descriptions if for men or women. Furthermore, it opened the gateway to the introduction of various colours and designs to fit each possible conceivable occasion. Materials also have evolved from thin flimsy cloth to thick leather material.

Functionality gave birth to comfort. With the unisex clothing, tee-shirts are now massed produced and sold on all retail stores all over the world. Breaking barriers, women’s style had included those which were traditionally acceptable only for men. Consequently, men’s clothing style also enjoyed, with certain limitations, the same privilege.


A certain degree of balance now exists in the purpose of clothing. Thus, style in women’s clothing is now dependent on the lady’s preference, budget and convenience. As availability and variety of accessories increased, a simple style can be made into an original creation. Indeed, it is now a thrill to watch future style changes in women’s clothing!