Shaping Femininity

Discover the transformative journey of femininity in Sarah A. Bendall's acclaimed book, Shaping Femininity, published in 2021. This insightful work delves into the dramatic evolution of the female silhouette during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in England. Bendall meticulously explores how structured garments, such as bodies, farthingales, stays, corsets, hoop petticoats, and crinolines, shaped women's fashion and identity, influencing styles across Western Europe and beyond well into the twentieth century. With 352 pages of rich content, this book offers a nuanced perspective supported by a remarkable collection of visual and written sources. Recognized with a Highly Commended accolade from the Society for Renaissance Studies Biennial Book Prize 2022, Shaping Femininity is a must-read for anyone interested in the intricate relationship between fashion and femininity throughout history.