Object: Suit
Date: 1914-1916
Medium: Cotton
Country: USA
Credit Line: Museum purchase
Object number: P87.25.1
DescriptionSuit with jacket, skirt and matching belt in white cotton twill; hip length jacket with exposed fitting darts, mother of pearl buttons; matching skirt is flared and ankle length with welt pockets; matching self belt
Label Text:The white suit became a symbol for the women’s suffrage movement during the early 20th century. As a suit, it coopted the sartorial language of male power, while the white color visually unified wearers during marches and demonstrations. White was also important as a signal of purity. Historian Margaret Finnegan notes, “women in public spaces could still be deemed unworthy of respect and courtesy,” but clad in white suits the suffragettes emphasized their civic virtue.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions:
- Power Mode
- Fashion & Politics