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

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. Others will ask why there were so many people throughout history who had their panties in a bunch over the drawers in women’s drawers. And others will pull back the layers of satin and silk to see how the evolution of women’s underwear parallels our ongoing struggle for gender equality.

The Humanities WA Speakers Bureau supports this program.

Speaker Bio:
Diane Johnston is a theatrical costume designer who has spent the past 35 years creating costumes for a variety of productions throughout the region. She holds an MFA in costume design and is a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.