Buzz
Fashion trends often leave us amused by their eccentricity and extravagance. While some styles fade quickly, others appear nonsensical until their purpose becomes clear. Take Crocs, for example—initially baffling, yet they gained widespread appeal. History, however, offers even more bizarre and captivating fashion stories.
10. Peter the Great of Russia Enforced Beard Removal
In the late 17th century, Peter the Great, the Russian tsar, embarked on a secret journey to Europe. Inspired by his observations, he aimed to modernize Russia's military and navy, transforming the nation into a global power. Noticing the clean-shaven faces of Europeans, he decided to adopt this trend wholeheartedly.
During a meeting with the Russian court, Peter the Great shocked everyone by personally cutting off beards with barber shears. He decreed that all men, except peasants and clergy, must remain beardless. This sparked immediate backlash, particularly from religious leaders who argued that beards held spiritual significance.
Although Peter the Great didn’t completely reverse his decision, he permitted individuals to retain their beards upon paying a tax. The fee was minimal for the lower class, just two kopecks, but nobles faced a hefty charge of up to 100 rubles. This beard tax persisted for nearly five decades after his reign ended.
9. Oversized Boots Were a Necessity Due to Horse Manure on Streets
In modern times, boots are not everyday attire for most people. Beyond historical enthusiasts, they’re primarily worn by those in outdoor professions requiring protection from harsh weather. Some even wear them purely for style. Today, there are limited practical reasons for such footwear beyond weather-related needs.
Historical accounts reveal that boots were once large and ubiquitous, worn by nearly everyone regardless of occupation. This wasn’t just a quirky fashion choice—it served a practical purpose. Streets were often littered with horse manure, as horses were the primary mode of transportation. While some cities maintained cleaner streets, it was impossible to avoid the mess entirely. Poor drainage systems exacerbated the issue, making boots essential during storms or sewage overflows.
8. High Heels Were Originally Created to Aid Soldiers in Horseback Riding
High heels are now so closely associated with women’s fashion that they are rarely worn by anyone outside of those identifying as female, whether permanently or temporarily. Many women criticize them as symbols of patriarchal control, arguing they are forced to wear uncomfortable footwear to cater to male desires. However, the history of heels is far more intricate and contradicts these modern perceptions.
Originally, heels were not designed for women or for fashion. Their origins trace back to the 10th century, when Persian soldiers discovered that heeled boots helped riders stay secure in stirrups while shooting arrows. Centuries later, in the early 1600s, women began wearing heels as a protest against the discomfort of women’s shoes compared to men’s. These early heels were still more practical than the towering platform shoes popular at the time.
7. Parents Once Paid Little Attention to Baby Clothing Gender Norms
Today, parents are highly conscious of how their child’s clothing influences their development and societal perceptions. Even progressive parents, who allow children to choose their attire, typically start with gender-neutral or traditionally gendered clothing until the child can decide for themselves.
In the early 20th century, however, parents often didn’t prioritize gendered clothing for toddlers. Outfits now considered feminine were seen as gender-neutral and practical for babies. Even affluent families followed this trend, as evidenced by photos of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as a baby dressed in what resembles a girl’s dress.
Though this seems odd today, people back then believed babies were indifferent to their clothing, so they didn’t prioritize it. Interestingly, while many ignored color, those who didn’t held views opposite to modern standards. Until the 1940s, pink was associated with baby boys, and blue with baby girls.
6. Ruffled Cuffs Served a Practical Purpose
The elaborate ruffles seen in historical paintings defined an era of fashion and left a lasting cultural impact. It’s hard to imagine a time when both men and women adorned their cuffs and necklines with intricate ruffles. While many assume this trend originated from 18th-century French dandies, they didn’t actually create it.
Ruffled cuffs were accidentally invented in the 16th century. At the time, people wore multiple layers of clothing, which often caused overheating. Spanish soldiers, enduring sweltering heat in their uniforms, cut slits into their sleeves for ventilation. Designers adopted this idea, and it quickly became a global fashion trend. Over time, people also used ruffles to discreetly wipe their faces—a practical solution in an era without disposable tissues.
5. Powdered Wigs Were Often Crawling with Bugs and Extremely Unhygienic
Powdered wigs, often romanticized today, were a defining symbol of the elite during the colonial era in the Western world. So prevalent were they that prominent figures insisted on being portrayed wearing them in portraits, leaving us uncertain of their natural appearances. While they might seem absurd in modern times, it’s hard to envision historical figures from that period without their iconic wigs.
However, historical depictions fail to reveal the true repulsiveness of powdered wigs. Beyond attracting various pests, they were particularly prone to lice infestations. If a wig harbored lice, the wearer was also at risk. Compounding the issue, many wigs were crafted from goat or horse hair rather than human hair. These wigs were rarely cleaned properly, if at all, resulting in a foul odor that made them even more unpleasant.
4. Codpieces Gained Popularity to Conceal Syphilis Symptoms
Images of historical figures like Henry VIII sporting tights, oversized codpieces, and lavish robes often evoke amusement. Once a king adopted such a style, it quickly became a trend among men. Today, many assume codpieces were a comical attempt to compensate for insecurities, but their origins are far more peculiar.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, as codpieces grew in size, so did the prevalence of syphilis. While kings initially wore them out of vanity, others soon followed for practical reasons. The codpiece served as an effective way to conceal the gruesome symptoms of syphilis, which often affected the genital area. Without such a garment, these symptoms would have been impossible to hide, especially when wearing tight-fitting clothing.
3. Hats Were Once Essential; Hoodies Are Reviving the Trend
Today, hats are more of a niche fashion accessory rather than a necessity. While some still wear baseball caps for sun protection, the widespread practice of wearing hats has declined significantly. Just over a century ago, hats were considered mandatory for men. For those nostalgic about hat-wearing, it’s a relatively recent shift in fashion history.
Modern advancements like heating and air conditioning contributed to the decline of hats. However, as environmental concerns grow, head coverings are regaining popularity. While traditional hats may not dominate, hooded sweatshirts and similar garments have surged in popularity since the 1990s. Raincoats now almost always include hoods, demonstrating how fashion utility evolves and circles back over time.
2. Men’s Neckwear Originally Protected Against Cold Air
Neckties have lost much of their former popularity, even in formal settings. Many seek alternatives for comfort, such as bow ties or clip-ons. Figures like Mark Cuban are known for ditching ties altogether, viewing them as restrictive and outdated. While some still cherish neckties, others argue they’re an unnecessary relic of men’s fashion.
Modern technology has transformed neckties into fashion statements rather than practical items, straying far from their original purpose. Men’s neckwear, like the cravat, was closer to a scarf and designed to protect the lungs from cold air. In rainy climates, a lightweight yet warm neck covering was essential before the advent of modern heating systems.
1. Leather Jackets Were Once Seen as a Symbol of Rebellion
Leather jackets have a rich and varied history. Initially valued for their durability and low maintenance, they became staples for bikers and were later linked to criminal imagery. This association caused significant controversy, particularly in the mid-20th century, when their reputation was heavily scrutinized.
During the era of Happy Days, censors were so concerned about the rebellious connotations of leather jackets that they restricted their on-screen use. A character could only wear one if his motorcycle was visible, leading to absurd scenarios like a motorcycle parked in a school hallway. Ironically, this likely made the character appear even more daring and cool.
