Too often characterised as the unfashionable group of the LGBTQI community, lesbians are frequently written off for their apparently overwhelming love for Birkenstocks, plaid shirts and other forms of “practical” clothing. However, history dictates that lesbians are, actually, very fashionable and have been responsible for many a fashion trend over the years. From monocles to pinky signet rings, there isn’t one universal form of “lesbian fashion”. There are multiple, dependent on factors including geographical location, culture, religion, law and personal taste.
An important element of historical lesbian fashion is the societal and legalgenders must wear three items of clothing associated with the gender they were assigned at birth. A unique combination of patriarchy, homophobia and transphobia, this rule has often been interpreted as targeting lesbians specifically. In bars, butches would covertly wear “feminine” underwear beneath their clothes that justified their compliance, so as not to disrupt their aesthetic.
