The white settlers on the east coast of America, criticised the traditional dresses of women on many grounds.
They believed that :
- Long skirts swept the ground and collected filth and dirt.
- The skirts were voluminous. They were difficult to handle.
- Skirts hampered the movement of women. They prevented women from working and earning.
They believed that the reform of dress would change the position of women. If clothes were comfortable and convenient, women could wear, earn their living and become independent.
