Clothing can be anything the wearer wants it to be, from a symbol of personal expression, to a class signifier, to simply the thing that keeps one protected from the elements. It can also play a part in creating social and political change. In the recently published book Dressing the Resistance: The Visual Language of Protest Through History, author, costume designer, and dress historian Camille Benda explores all the ways in which fashion has been used by women as a tool of activism. From Joan of Arc’s armor to the mere existence of the miniskirt, clothing has always been a powerful instrument for those fighting for change. –Marie Lodi
15th century
Joan of Arc wears male military armor after a vision of leading France to war.
Photo: Centre Historique des Archives Nationales, Paris, France/Bridgeman
1864
Sojourner Truth dresses in Quaker garb to communicate her role as an abolitionist.
Photo: Library of Congress
1916
Irish rebel hero Constance Markievicz designs a uniform for Citizen’s Army women.
Photo: Kilmainham Gaol, Ireland
1960s
British designer Mary Quant helps popularize the liberating miniskirt.
Photo: Everett Collection Historical/Alamy Stock Photo
1965
Middle school student Mary Beth Tinker DIYs anti-Vietnam war armbands.
Photo: Granger Historical Picture Archive /Alamy Stock Photo
2012
CODEPINK shocks Republicans in pink sequined vulva costumes.
Photo: Granger Historical Picture Archive /Alamy Stock Photo
2012
Russian protest group Pussy Riot sports neon balaclavas and fishnets.
Photo: © PhotoXpress/ZUMAPRESS/Alamy Stock Photo;
2015
Kiran Gandhi runs the London marathon while free bleeding.
Photo: Courtesy of Kieran Gandhi
2019
At the Weinstein trial, protestors wear red lipstick and black mesh across their eyes like blindfolds.
Photo: Reuters/Carlo Allegri
2019
The pink-wearing Gulabi Gang defend women’s rights in India.
Photo: Joerg Boethling/Alamy Stock Photo
2020
Portland moms attend Black Lives Matter protests wearing yellow to identify themselves.
Photo: Caitlin Ochs/Reuters
All images courtesy of Princeton Architectural Press
This article originally appeared in BUST’s Spring 2022 print edition. Subscribe today!
