Book cover of Dressed for Freedom: The Fashionable Politics of American Feminism

Book description

Often condemned as a form of oppression, fashion could and did allow women to express modern gender identities and promote feminist ideas. Einav Rabinovitch-Fox examines how clothes empowered women, and particularly women barred from positions of influence due to race or class. Moving from 1890s shirtwaists through the miniskirts and…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Dressed for Freedom as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I’m currently writing about the reasons young women today choose a sexualized aesthetic (crop tops with tight leggings, sexy selfies on Snapchat and Instagram) and the backlash they face from parents and others. Dressed For Freedom showed me that women have long been criticized for wearing clothes that make them feel independent—and that clothes are a way for women to assert their autonomy.

Who knew that flapper fashion a century ago was so scandalous? Anyone criticized for wearing tight leggings in public should read this fascinating and entertaining history book because it will help them understand that today’s battle over…

If you love Dressed for Freedom...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Dressed for Freedom?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Dressed for Freedom.

Browse books like Dressed for Freedom

Book cover of The Fashion System
Book cover of Worn in New York: 68 Sartorial Memoirs of the City
Book cover of How to Read a Dress: A Guide to Changing Fashion from the 16th to the 20th Century

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Dressed for Freedom, you might also like...

Book cover of Ramón Ramirez's Dog: Reflections on Then and Now

Ramón Ramirez's Dog by David J. Dunford,

Ramon Ramirez’s Dog is a collection of essays written over the years about the adventures and misadventures, mostly outside but occasionally inside the diplomatic career of a U.S. ambassador. Common threads weaving the stories together are a desire for a life well-lived, balancing career with family and friends, keeping physically…

Book cover of I, Robot Alien

I, Robot Alien by Joel R. Dennstedt,

“Intelligent, unique, and tremendously entertaining.” - Readers' Favorite 2025

BOOKLIFE EDITOR’S PICK!

EARTH… CENTURIES AFTER THE FALL!

I was created by beings who couldn’t touch this world... only watch it crumble. Every twenty years, a new tribe... a new hope... a new failure.

I was told, “Do not interfere.” But…

5 book lists we think you will like!