Women in London have expressed broad approval of the evolving fashions that promote health and freedom, according to voices responding to the recently released report on the capital’s public health by Dr. F. N. K. Menzies, London’s County Medical Officer of Health. The report notes significant changes in women’s dress that are increasingly aligned with hygienic principles and physical wellbeing.

Miss Olga Nethersole, founder and honorary organiser of the People’s League of Health, emphasized that these changes are less about following fashion trends and more about women responding to practical needs, particularly in the wake of wartime adjustments. She attributed the shift away from restrictive garments, such as corsets, to women’s increasing participation in active and useful work during the war. Nethersole warned that while the abandonment of corsets benefits future generations by preventing malformations linked to constrained vital organs, new risks arise from a persistent cultural preference for extreme slimness. She highlighted concerns about health issues like anemia resulting from undernourishment, excessive dancing, and late hours motivated by a desire to maintain a slender figure.

Physical activity, Nethersole noted, plays a vital role in maintaining health, underpinning calls for more playgrounds and exercise opportunities for girls. This theme was echoed by Miss Rogers of the Social Institute’s Union for Women and Girls, who recognized that modern recreational activities and simpler, more practical attire have contributed to improved health and vitality among young women. Rogers pointed out that the popular adoption of shorter hairstyles, such as the bob, and lighter, more functional clothing facilitate greater freedom of movement and contribute to a lively and healthy appearance. She suggested that contemporary girls might possess greater stamina than previous generations, despite some parental concerns to the contrary.

The changing dress practices of rural women also reflect this trend toward practicality and health. A representative of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes contrasted the traditional image of the elderly countrywoman in long skirts with the modern country girl benefiting from lighter, short-sleeved clothing that allows exposure to fresh air and sunlight. This shift reflects the broader movement toward clothing that supports physical wellbeing across different social milieus.

Meanwhile, Lady Duff-Gordon, speaking to art teachers at the Victoria and Albert Museum, observed that while English women are among the most attractive globally, their fashion choices often miss the mark. She commented on an elusive quality missing in English women’s dress, noting inconsistencies in skirt lengths, which appear either too short or too long, detracting from the overall aesthetic.

Together, these perspectives highlight a significant transition in women’s attire from restrictive, appearance-driven fashions to clothing prioritizing comfort, health, and freedom of movement—changes seen as integral to the modern woman’s evolving role in society.