Read the excerpt from Chapter 3 of Wheels of Change . Driven by a desire for comfort and physical well-being, several groups of
women introduced alternative approaches to fashion in the 1850s. Most combined a dress shortened to about four or five inches below the knee with some sort of baggy pantaloons worn underneath. What was the effect of women wanting safe and comfortable clothing? Different dress designers became increasingly popular.
Groups that advocated new styles grew in membership.
New styles were immediately adopted by society.
Various groups promoted new styles of dress.
