For a long time, women lived with the constant pressure of conforming to societal standards and went to extreme lengths to meet those expectations. Today, we enjoy much more freedom of choice, especially when it comes to fashion. However, this wasn't always the case.
One of the most uncomfortable practices women engaged in was wearing corsets. These devices were designed to cinch the waist to achieve the desired hourglass figure and maintain perfect posture. Corsets were not only physically restrictive, making it difficult to breathe and move, but they also had severe health implications, such as rib and heart compression, fainting, and even death.
Another trend was the wide crinoline skirts worn in the 19th century. These hoop skirts, made from whalebone or linen, were fashionable but extremely impractical. Women faced difficulties entering doorways, sitting, and using the restroom. They were also at risk of accidents, such as getting caught in carriage wheels or even catching fire.
In pursuit of pale skin, which was considered a symbol of nobility, women used cosmetics with lead or arsenic. These toxic substances caused skin ulcers, hair loss, brain tumors, and paralysis. Bloodletting, with the help of leeches, was another method used to achieve a pale complexion. While this practice may seem less harmful, it still carried risks of infections and allergic reactions.
In ancient China, foot binding was a barbaric and painful tradition. Young girls' feet were tightly bound to prevent natural growth, resulting in deformed and disabled feet. This practice persisted for centuries, as small feet were seen as a sign of beauty and high social status.
These are just a few examples of the extreme measures women went through to conform to beauty standards in the past. Thankfully, society has progressed, and women now have more choices and the freedom to define beauty for themselves.
