The Bloomer Costume:

Freedom in Fabric

A living History Program 

Long before women gained the right to vote, they challenged society in a far more visible way—through what they wore. The Bloomer Costume: Freedom in Fabric, explores how radical clothing reform became an act of protest as women pushed back against restrictive Victorian fashion and demanded mobility, independence, and personal autonomy.

This engaging living-history program examines the origins of the bloomer costume, the fierce public backlash it sparked, and the women who dared to wear it anyway—reformers, lecturers, activists, and everyday women determined to move freely in a world that resisted change. Audiences will discover how dress reform intersected with women’s rights, education, health, and expanding public roles in the nineteenth century.

Adding depth and authenticity, the bloomer costumes featured in this program are hand-constructed by me using period-appropriate techniques and treadle sewing machines, offering a rare look at historical garment construction and the labor behind reform clothing. Through storytelling, demonstration, and original reproduction garments, this program brings to life a pivotal moment when fashion became a powerful statement of freedom.