Hidden Layers: Women's Undergarments and How They've Shaped Ladies’ Liberties

Thursday, October 8 | 5:30PM
Free Program, space is limited, RSVP at: www.wrvmuseum.org/events-entry/2026/10/8/huwawomensundergarments
Women’s underwear has long reflected society’s views on modesty, femininity, and beauty. From historic styles that restricted the female form to the more liberating fashions of today, women’s undergarments have been symbols of both oppression and empowerment.
In this talk, explore how comfort, freedom, and function in women’s undergarments mirrored broader social changes. We ask why there were so many people throughout history who had their panties in a bunch over the drawers in women’s drawers. And we pull back the layers of satin and silk to see how the evolution of women’s underwear parallels our ongoing struggle for gender equality.
This talk is made possible through the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau.