Pants and Prejudice: The Battle for Women's Right to Wear Pants

Photo courtesy of the Seneca Falls Historical Society, shows Amelia Bloomer wearing her namesake outfit

Pants and Prejudice: The Battle for Women's Right to Wear Pants

Something that I’ve long found fascinating is the history of women wearing pants. It's a journey of defiance, freedom, and style.

Back in the 1800s, women started dabbling in the world of pants, mainly for practicality. Think bloomers – definitely not the most stylish, but so liberating. These loose trousers, gathered at the ankle, were a hit among early feminists like Amelia Bloomer, who were all about comfort and challenging societal norms.

Mrs. Tibitts, taken in the 1860s, wearing a sort of bloomer suit, and a Wigan England coal miner (aka pit girl) from late in the 1800s. Image courtesy of katetattersall.com

Fast forward to the 1930s and 40s, when icons like Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich strutted in pants, making them glamorous and chic. Hollywood had a major influence, turning trousers into a symbol of confidence and independence. World War II also played a part, as women took on roles traditionally held by men and needed practical, durable clothing.

Katharine Hepburn in 1947. Photo courtesy of Haynes Archive/Popperfoto.

By the 1960s and 70s, pants became a staple in every woman's wardrobe. Thanks to the women's liberation movement, wearing trousers was not just a fashion choice but a statement of equality. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent further cemented their place in fashion with the iconic Le Smoking tuxedo suit for women.

Tuxedo worn by Mounia Orosemane. Autumn-winter 1983 haute couture collection. Photograph by Guy Marineau courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent.

Today, pants are a given – from jeans to tailored slacks, they’re a versatile essential for every occasion. It's been a wild ride, but women wearing pants is now a celebrated norm, blending comfort with empowerment.

My Quest for Perfection: The Birth of the Ultimate Slim Sexy Workwear Pant

Let me take you on a little adventure about how we created our 2 Way Work Pants. I’ve never been one for skinny legs, but I totally respect the power of a well-fitted, gently tapered pair of pants. They can make you look tough and professional. I was determined to create something that flattered all body types. Most women's workwear pants I’d tried were low-rise, skinny, and packed with polyester—hello, sweat city! So, I decided to go in a completely different direction.

We developed a slimmer leg style that perfectly balanced hugging the body’s curves and providing room to move. The first time I tried on the 2 Way Work Pants, I felt a rush of empowerment. Here they were, the pants I’d always dreamed of—simple, timeless, and incredibly versatile.

The 2 Way Pant sample really blew my hair back when I first tried them on.

The 2 Way Work Pants weren’t just another pair of work pants; they were a revelation. They made every body look and feel great—sexy yet professional. Finally, work pants that don’t just fit but celebrate every inch of you.

Three Weights; One Super Sexy & Hardworking Style

And we have you covered in three different fabric options: light-weight 100% cotton for those hot and dirty duties, soft, our classic second-skin-like cotton drill, or ready to tackle the toughest tasks in heavy-duty, tough-as-nails heavy-weight cotton canvas, these pants are the bee's knees. They hug in all the right places, making you feel like a workwear supermodel while still being practical enough to get down and dirty. Trust me, once you slip into these bad boys, you’ll never want to wear anything else to work again!