A line of woman hold a white banner with "woman power" written on it in capital letters, 1971

Feminism in 60s & 70s Fashion

May 8, 2025

The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of the second wave of feminism, which saw women gain more equal rights including equal pay and education, gender discrimination prevention, and more financial independence. Books such as 'The feminine mystique' by Betty Friedman, alongside protests and demonstrations were integral in advocating for equal rights for women, but did you know that fashion also had a key role?

Mini Skirts

The mini skirt in the 60s was an above-the-knee provocative statement that is mainly associated with Mary Quant. Although we would consider them somewhat long by today's standards, for the time they were a shocking statement, that broke away from traditional skirt lengths, which at their highest were knee height. The mini skirt quickly became popular with young people, as it was associated with the youth movement and a breakaway from social norms.

VTG 60S 70S MOD LEMON YELLOW PLEATED POCKETS MINI SKIRT

VINTAGE 60s 70s LIGHT GREY TAN SUEDE BUTTON DOWN BOHO MOD GOGO MINI SKIRT

Afros

The 70s saw the rise in embracing natural hair textures, and saw women ditching the hair straighteners and curlers that were associated with the white middle class aesthetics. The afro soon became a symbol of black power, and embraced pride in identity and ethnicity. This right for racial equality also played a role in fighting for gender quality with POC women.

Short Hair

The pixie cut, and other short hairstyles, that were embraced by the likes of Mia Farrow and Twiggy in the 60s, like the afro, rejected the prim and curled hair chores of the decades before. This short hairstyle offered a carefree everyday option, and became a popular fashion choice within the mod scene.

Trousers & Pants

Women and girls began to embrace trousers, shorts and pants, often paired with casual T-shirts. These not only challenged the the image of the traditional women, but also challenged the idea of masculine clothing. This symbolism of both men and women wearing trousers and shorts allowed women to use fashion to advocate for equality.

VTG 70S YELLOW BLACK RED TARTAN PUNK STRAIGHT LEG TROUSERS

VTG 60S 70S LIGHT BLUE LACE UP SHORTS

Suits

Suits also became more prevalent in the 1970s, and features more trouser pants. The angular shoulder pads and trousers, allowed women to embrace a more androgynous and traditional masculine shape, symbolically putting themselves on par with men, which helped challenge gender inequality in the workplace.