I know a disabled female lawyer who has literally had to bring in a note from her doctor to allow her to wear flat shoes in certain judge’s courtrooms. Same with pants. 🤯
@@jennifers5560-- But true! Some judges still require female lawyers to wear skirts, heels, and -- God forbid! -- hosery in their courtrooms. 😲😱 And in a courtroom, the judge's demand is LAW. So that is why legislation is needed.
Oh wow that's so messed up! I've just recently met an older lady who had to have surgery on her feet due to wearing heels all her life. This is modern foot binding for the male gaze, it should not be a job requirement.
Cisgender white male here who lives in the Great American West. (Love your channel Jessica! ❤) I see lots of cowboy boots on a daily basis, some worn by actual ranch hands, while others are worn by "urban cowboys" of short stature trying to increase their height. Some boots are very elaborate and expensive. But when I refer to them as "male high heels," you should see how the Boys get their hackles up. Them are fighting words! I have nearly engaged in fisticuffs with a drunken cowboy or two when mentioning that I like their "high heels." 😊 Keep up the good work Jessica! You have fans all over the world in all walks of life. ❤
Yep, that's the most country thing I've heard today....yes I'm trapped in rule America, it's not bad, but I'm a city kid and love the city. I still give y'all mad respect and thank you for the work y'all do! ❤
Riding heels aren’t what I’d call high heels. It’s to keep your foot from going thru the stirrup, which is incredibly dangerous, not to make you look tall or give you a perky looking butt. But the main reason why they’re not high heels is they don’t tend to ruin your legs and give you chronic pain, or keep you from being able to move quickly or walk on a lawn 😂 It’s really dumb and disingenuous to pretend you don’t know there’s a difference tbh
@@barbarianvee I agree there is quite a difference. Due to how devded politik we are I am not trying to go hog wild lol. But it's true that our modern high heel did evolve from the riding heel like on cowboy boots. I think we should be able to ware heels if we want, without being told it's bad for a guy to Ware them. I'm sorry if my comment came across bad, I truly don't mean it that way. I found this fasnaticning as even I didn't know the true history of heels. Used to ride horses after my 1st family got me, so definitely understand the use of the cowboy boot and it's heel. Again I truly apologize for any misunderstanding. What would you suggest I say instead? Thank you so much!! Qujanaq!!
@@barbarianvee -- Kakumee, I think Stella was chastising me, the OP, and not you. "Riding heels" does sound like a better term to use than "high heels" when referring to cowboy boots, so thanks for that suggestion Stella.. 👢 Although I'm not sure the intended recipient will think it's much better. To be clear: I fursure am not talking about mocking the true cowboys and ranch hands (the preferred term). As I said in my original message, I am teasing the "urban cowboy" crowd who wouldn't know a stirrup from a turnip. They wear such boots solely to increase their height, inasmuch as most of those guys fall on the south end of 5'7". Basically, the Ron DeSantis fraternity. Giddyup through the high water! 😊
I am surprised you didnt mention the absolute best music icon in heels, Prince! He wasn't masculine or feminine, he was just sexy! I love your work, keep it up!
Yes I love the quote "Prince was the only guy who could show up at your party, in frills, and steal your girlfriend. Then steal her clothes, then steal someone else's girl in your girlfriends clothes."
I'm also surprised disco fashion didn't get a mention. It had both women and men wearing flamboyant outfits full of frills and sparkles and gigantic platform shoes!
Women's clothing had massive pockets for hundreds of years. We lost them fairly recently with the introduction of tighter fitting garments and less fabric in general, and no pockets became the norm in the 2000s when low cut jeans made it impossible to insert usable pockets. Abby Cox has a great video about this on her channel, highly recommended.
I heard from my wife that, because of a woman's hourglass shape, pockets just aren't a good look located at the hips. Filled pockets just make you look wider there. So women often carry a handbag.
I personally can't wear heels because of my joint issues, but my vote is that everyone who wants to wear heels should be able to without harassment, and everyone who doesn't should be able not to without harassment. Thanks for another great video!
I spent nearly 3 months unable to wear shoes because of an injury. I was so proud when I could finally put on a shoe. It then took a few more months to be able to do it on my own and tie the laces. Almost a year later and I am still recovering. I can wear shoes, but I can't walk on uneven ground. Heels are still not an option. I wonder what would have happened if I worked in a place that required me to wear heels.
My only critique is the echoy audio in the green chair, as a person with tinnitus, hard to hear, but I bet it was just gear hiccups :3 it happens. Keep up the amazing work. and yes, the shoes ARE fabulous
as a straight white male; "Respect my lbqt+ homies, Or I’m going to identify as a fvcking problem" - I enjoy the history and how it connects to politics, sociology, gender roles, class etc... thanks for being awesome and making great content. In academia taking all into account, factoring in biases etc and not doing the "great man of history" -is called 'history from below'..
Strange choice of name, why did they choose that? Unless Im missing something I feel like it kind of perpetuates the problemlematic views about the people and events it's studying. I prefer something more like underdog history or history of the oppressed if anything
@@Steph-zo5zk history from below just means; the history of everybody who isn't the leaders, kings, "great man of history", just everyday people who none wrote anything down about. its often more about archeology, analysing dirt samples for pollen records to get an idea what they grew and ate etc...
Tbh it's not just that heels enable better riding. It's that riding without a heel is dangerous. Without a heel it is much easier for your foot to slip through the styrup. At best this means losing balance, which in itself can be risky, at worst it happens while you are falling off, and your foot, now hooked through the styrup, will be used to drag you ragdoll style across the field until you are far enough away that your horse calms down. Ironically far from the most lethal activity you can do on a horse, but it's still up there. Most stables won't let you ride in flats even if it's just a rein led joy ride.
Contrary to the misogynistic comments, I enjoy the fact, you are talking about feminist topics with the actual basis formed of facts in a interesting manner! Also, I would like the deep dive in the history of the pockets, since it is pretty fun topic to discuss.
Yes, absolutely! I don't get why women's jeans or any kind of trousers/pants have small pockets since for example smartphones are getting larger and larger. I found some really nice looking jeans with large pockets at C&A. 🙂
Yes! Please do a pocket deep dive! Pet peeve that there are clothes that have fake pockets. Love the video. I’m a special occasions for heals type of girl.
Here for the history, politics, style, activism, and parasocial rufflicious teaparty vibes! ☕️ Personally, it's massively encouraging to have the opportunity to engage with thoughtful content from a fellow 2SLGBTQIA+ and chronically ill/EDS with comorbitities person. Thank you for the work you do!
I'm obsessed with 17th century European fashion for men, both before and after the justacorps and before the periwig started to get tall/unnatural, and yesss those Louis XIV heels. The time when crazy colors, high heels, petticoat breeches, and 10,000 pounds of ribbon were the ultimate expression of virile aristocratic masculinity.
If i even wear a small heel, i usually cant walk the next day due to chronic tendon problems. In my youth, i suffered through it to wear heels for important events, prom, night out dancing, wedding, etc, but now i just could not care less about style.
My wife managed to get a doctor's note making her job not force her to wear a skirt. If they had tried to make her wear heels she could've gotten that because of her vision... I mean, blind people in high heels? I, on the other hand, have had so much trouble with my feet, I'm sure I could get a doctor's note to not wear high heels. In fact, I wear a half size larger and one width wider shoes because of the problems, and I have to have large toe boxes. I did know that men started wearing high heels and I certainly understand why a rider on a horse needs heels. Nobody wants to get dragged by a horse with their foot stuck in a stirrup, I actually met someone who had that happen!
I would love an explanation as to why my clothes don't have pockets! It's so annoying, especially when I'm working! I will wear hoodies even on the hottest days of the year just for the pockets.
I often wonder how half of the population got brainwashed into agreeing that lack of functional pockets is acceptable. And how men got to keep the pockets, but got the prejudice against any bag smaller than a backpack/suitcase.
I have never been comfortable in High Heels, or makeup for that matter. One positive of the pamdemic for me is that I decided I didn't need to force myself into those performative pieces of femininity anymore. I am who I am, and people can take me or leave me. ❤
Haven't watched yet, but I'm gonna go out on a limb and say: high heels and other articles of clothing should belong to everybody regardless of gender.
As a trans woman, I find wearing heels to be very gender affirming. My go-to footwear is a pair of chunky converse heels. However, as a UK10 (EU44, not EU43 as so many womens UK10s seem to be...), I find it hard to find heels in designs I like and that are practical for everyday. As much as I like the idea of 6"+ stilettos, I just couldn't wear them outside because of the practice I'd need in them, because of lack of self confidence and anxiety, and because I'm already 6'1...
And let's not forget the film Kinky Boots, which is about a failing shoe company saved by retooling and training to build shoes for the gay and trans community that didn't break under the weight and foot shape of an amab person. It's a great film.
I normally don't wear heels because they make my bad back hurt, but I wore them for my wedding. Getting a good supportive insole for them worked wonders, and I highly recommend it for any wedding shoes. You'll be wearing them the entire day and probably dance in them too, so comfort is key!
I love the look of heels but there are several reasons I can’t wear them, first- I have quite large feet for a cis woman, I’m a size 11 to 12 and since having my kids now I’m also wide width so most shoes don’t come in my size. Second, I have very bad arthritis in my ankles so it just hurts way too much and lastly the newest reason is my immune mediated neuropathy has gotten so bad in my feet that I have lost most the feeling in my left foot so I have to be really careful when I’m walking so I don’t trip anyways. As far as men wearing heels I think anyone should be able to wear whatever makes them happy. If I see a guy in heels I’ll tell them I love their shoes!
I always wanted to be a heels person, but my lack of balance coupled with a very weak right ankle (thank you balance issues for making me break my ankle twice!), makes heels not only impractical, but nearly impossible for me to wear. I do absolutely LOVE a cute flat though!
I have balance issues too. So I use a cane. I have one that's adjustable in length for when I wear heels or platforms. Speaking of, platforms can give you the look of a heel with less if a strep angle on your foot. Some of them are practically flat. The Demonia Ranger boots are a great example of a platform heel that doesn't have much of a rise. I wear chunky heels. I do have a couple of pairs of stilettos. But those I got just because they are sexy. So I rarely wear them and only at home. So chunky heel platforms and a cane might be what you need to give heels a try.
@@jennoscura2381 Thanks for the tip! Before I broke my ankle the first time I loved a good chunky shoe. Practically spent my entire freshman year (of HS eep!) in them. I'll have to see if that's an option now. I actually cycle between a cane, a rollator, and a wheelchair. I guess I could wear hell in a wheelchair and not have to worry about the balance part. lol
@@m.s.3041 Thank you! I commented at the start of the video. : ) I just adore the color of them! I'll definitely look into her collab with American Dutchess!
yes please talk about pockets! i've heard stories about pockets being removed from skirts and dresses a long time ago to prevent women from 'hiding potions' etc, a la witches, and would love to hear more about the history there
As a genderfluid nonbinary person (she/they), I have a very complicated relationship with my heels. Sometimes I really form my outfit around what heel I want to wear, but sometimes I just can't stand them. Part of that complex relation stems from being socially expected growing up in a Catholic Italian household to wear jewelry, dresses, and heels to social events. My Dad once ordered me to put my heels back on at a cocktail party after I changed into flats; I refused because my feet hurt and there was still over an hour in the event before we could leave. Needless to say I am so glad that fashion is more gender neutral now than it was even just 10 years ago; let's keep this trend going!
As I understand it, chopines were high heels worn alone, while pattens were an over-shoe, meant to protect your normal shoes. So pattens are what you describe in the video, I think.
I think men can really rock heels, I'm always impressed by what great legs so many men have! Everyone should just wear whatever does it for them (ya know, as long as it's SOME clothing, lol) 🙂
I am a woman; I was born a woman; and I think I was also born with a weird genetic disorder that makes high heels not just an impractical choice but a mildly dangerous one. I had one pair of boots as a teenager that had heels...not skinny, eight-inch, stiletto-type heels, but solid, maybe three-inch, full-width-of-the-sole-type heels. I wore them regularly for about two years, and when I tell you I never got the hang of those heels, I mean that half the women in my state probably suffered secondhand embarrassment for me as I tried to get around in those things! I eventually got to the point where I could handle a sedate walk in them without feeling like I was one misstep from falling over, but that was as good as it ever got. Nowadays, I stick to flat-soled shoes; they might not be as fashionable, but at least I will be able to run if there's ever a fire! 😂
Thank you for making a flat shoe with an accessible strap. A few months ago, I was so injured that I couldn't wear shoes that had laces or buckles or straps because I couldn't reach them. I had to attend my father's funeral and the only shoes I could find were slip on ballet flats. I kept slipping out of them when I tried to walk. And the traction wasn't great. If I could have had the Claud flats, the whole ordeal would have saved me so much stress and worry about whether or not I could move around safely.
as a nonbinary person, i love the concept of heels! but my feet don't. i would wear them if i found a really good pair of them. :) maybe one day ... i'm loving your fashion history videos! a video on the history of pockets and why clothes pushed for women have no pockets would be very cool. have a good day!!!
I need heels as they correct my feet and way of walking to more natural and less harmful for my feet and legs. But man do I struggle with finding heels that aren't dainty and make me fall over. I prefer the sturdy more riding boot like heel. Those heels do make me feel powerful and cool, but mostly because I can actually stand, walk and run in them. Can't do that on flats, can't do that on high daintier heels. Coupled with weak ankles, boot with sturdy heels are the way to go! I've always known heels weren't historically feminine, but I didn't know about the riding boot! That makes so much sense. I sometimes use my heels to stay balanced on my bike as well.
Decent riding stables in UK won't let you on their horses unless your shoes have a heel (so no trainers, for example). Without them, the foot and get stuck down through the stirrup and you fall off, you'll get dragged along behind the horse
As a person with hypermobility, I have to ask: how do you make high heels work for you? Whenever I try to wear heels, my feet compress and slide down into the toe of the shoe, which is really uncomfortable. The only way I've been able to keep heels in the right place is by wearing them a size or two too small, which is uncomfortable in a different way.
I'm definitely not a heels lesbian, heeled shoes are not for me. However, I sometimes really like designer high-heels that are oddly shaped and brightly colored but I couldn't possibly afford them and wearing them would be a pain for me due to medical reasons. Loved your video as always.
The story of pockets would be interesting paired with purses as they tend to go hand in hand-bag.😉 Also as a follow-up to your previous video about dresses you don't wear, I was glad to see the "Montessori" dress make an appearance with the over dress or waistcoat. It gave autumnal, cottage-core in a polished way.
I would also like to see a video on pockets, but I would also like to see a video specifically about the STEEP divide between clothes, especially underwear, where smaller 'ideal' bodies have pretty designs or are made with patterns and lace which is either very nice or very scratchy, and then when you get to a size where you're o longer 'ideal', all you have is BEIGE. Beige bras you can't wear a cute top with because the beige bras only come in t-shirt style and are super visible. It can be as little as cute: A cup, B cup, C cup- BEIGE D cup (maybe a few cute styles) and then beige E cups, what's an f cup- there's only three stores in my state that sell G cups? IN BEIGE. (also knickers have this similar drop off. And the beige lace is more often scratchy.) Who heard of big busted teens wanting to look and feel pretty, let alone sexy- NOPE, ONCE YOU PASS D IT'S GRANDMA-CHIC FOR YOU. FOR EVER. Shame on you for not being a B-cup.
As an ancient egyptian butcher I can personally confirm that I wore high heels because EDS gave me shortened hamstrings and I needed the elevation on the heels to correct my posture for standing, walking and even just sitting. So yeah, it was for purely orthopedic purposes. That they were absolutely fabulous and that it kept your drapy cloak out of the blood on the floor were just awesome side benefits. ;P
This is a fun and interesting video! ❤ I don’t wear high heels because my feet are small (kid’s size 2) and I’m more comfortable in flats or sneakers. I also like to wear pants with pockets However, all women should feel comfortable in anything they want to wear without judgement from other people. 😊
I definitely aspire to be a Heels Lesbian, but generally the only places that stock heels size 13-14 have astronomical prices, so I am instead a Boots Lesbian
Fascinating topic as always! Just a little note: the main audio sounds a little echoy and it makes it harder to understand, but the side character Jessicas sound good...
I also have hEDS and find wearing heels super difficult. When I do wear heels for cosplay, I usually wear ones that are super chunky, like Mary Jane's or platforms. I do think heels are pretty, but I can not sacrifice my comfort and health for shoes
"A lot of shoes designed for women simply aren't made in bigger sizes, which is really sad." As a woman who wears a US size 11 shoe, *tell me about it.* I feel for trans and nb folks who can't find shoes in their size, and I'm also mad about it as a tall cis woman. The number of times I've gone into a store looking for a cute pair of shoes only to be told, "we only carry up to size 10 in-store, you can find bigger sizes online" is obnoxious. How am I supposed to try the shoes on over the internet, exactly? Let's make cute shoes more available for people of every gender who happen to have bigger feet. We should already have been doing this. As far as how I feel about heels, I think my opinion is definitely informed by my height. As a woman who is 5'11" barefoot, I feel like society doesn't want me to wear heels -- which just makes me want to do it MORE. I think I spent most of high school in 4" chunky heeled boots. I haven't worn a lot of traditional, more delicate-looking heels, but I would be interested in trying some that have a heel similar to your Jessies -- the curved heel that rests below the body's center of mass, rather than at the back of the shoe. What are your thoughts on heels in alternative subcultures? I feel like a masc-coded person and a femme-coded person could easily wear the same platform-heeled knee-high Doc Martens in the goth, punk, or scene subcultures and not have either look out of place or less masculine/feminine. I recognize that those subcultures may not be your area of expertise, but it crossed my mind and I wanted to toss it out there.
I like heels sometimes, but don't often wear them. It's a combination of finding them painful & hard to walk in sometimes, but also being tols continually that I'm too tall to wear heels growing up. I'm 5ft 9". Pockets I am interested in learning more about! I started dressmaking and put pockets in everything I make now!
19:34 Y2K American, here. It's hard NOT to idolize the white cowboy when you've been taught incorrect history on purpose, but young people are more and more willing to accept the truth as it gets hauled into the light. The general irritation isn't that we have to relearn history, but that we've been lied to our whole lives - and that goes for gender, race, and religious issues, too. It's annoying having the heavy task of rebuilding dumped on us, but it's also exciting that WE have it in our hands and get to choose which way our country turns next. As nations go, America is still very much a baby learning how to walk, after all.
Im a trans guy and I like wearing heels because they make me feel pretty but I only feel comfortable wearing them around my very close friends or in queer spaces where I know people who see me wearing them will respect my gender despite wearing ‘traditionally feminine’ shoes
Given my sensory sensitivities and lack of balance, high heels are not something that appeal to me. I always prefer to be barefoot whenever possible and wear sneakers whenever it’s impractical to be barefoot. I haven’t worn formal shoes of any kind in as long as I can remember.
Please continue with the sociology and politics. It's well researched and interesting. Don't let them put you in the pretty must mean dumb box. Love your content x
Straight, cis-female here. I hate wearing heels, and am not into fashion or makeup, although I enjoy fashion content as it relates to history or conscious self expression. (Which is why I find your content so interesting.) My only footwear is flip flops, sneakers, or Birkenstocks. I’m retired, and exclusively wear jeans and cotton shirts. My age, combined with my refusal to “be a bit more put together” means people underestimate me more often than not. It’s fascinating (if annoying af) that I’m seen as perhaps not very educated, perhaps low income, and more than a bit lazy. My husband is jeans-and-a-tshirt with suspenders, sneakers, and is older than me. He is invariably treated with respect. I’m sure you’re shocked. 🙄
The original high heels follow the same logic as the stirrup cup, being designed for a balance other than "freestanding on a flat surface". My best friend in high school adored high heels. She wore heeled boots most of the time, including this cool pair with multiple straps that had skull buckles, which she called her 'pirate boots'. I've got a short and wide foot, so I have a difficult time finding shoes that fit me. The only heels I can recall having which fit were a pair of wedge-heel ankle boots and a pair of square-toed one-inch heels.
Oooh the history of pockets would be so good! Personally, I'm a heels-bisexual. I love heels, partly because I'm short and like being tall, partly because I like how they elongate my legs visually, and partly because I find that flats really hurt my feet no matter what (bony hypermobile feet why do you curse me so!). I also have really small feet, so most of the shoes that are pretty/cute/feminine/visually interesting that are designed for my size are either flats or heels. Since I can't do flats without literal cuts in my feet, heels end up generally being the route I take. Also, like our wonderful Jessica here, I adore vintage fashion and those circle skirts just feel a bit more fun to twirl when I'm wearing heels. My wardrobe is almost entirely wedge heels now though, since my joints don't love them.
The advert I got for Louboutins 2/3rds of the way through this video had me laughing so much! And then another advert for Reese's peanut butter cups in the shape of shoes pretty much finished me off and I nearly died laughing.
I love wearing heels, when I can find a pair that are comfy and my size. As a trans woman with UK size 10 feet, finding nice shoes in my size that I like is not easy.
Oh, Mrs. Jessica, please do pockets. I am a Cis man, and I never understood why men's clothing came with so many useful pockets and women were forced to carry purses everywhere.
Please do a pocket thing and what side a blouse/shirt buttons up depicts what gender they are for shirts/blouses should be universally available these stupid rules... And women's sizes are a video and campaign in itself, we deserve sizing that we have realistic expectations they fit, a size 12 can also be the same as a size 10 to 14 depending on the whim of the maker it makes online shopping pot luck. A
Personally, I mostly associate high heels with going to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show. As a man who takes a size 12-13 shoe (depending on brand) I have found in recent years getting heels in my size has gotten a lot easier. When I got my first pair the options were basically ‘Adult Bookstores’ , adverts in the back of certain magazines (and weirdly the Daily Mail) or Long Tall Sally (a clothing store that caters specifically to women who are taller and generally bigger than the sizes in regular clothes stores). The last pair I bought came from Amazon next day delivery.
YES PLEASE HISTORY OF POCKETS! I DESPERATELY NEED TO KNOW WHY WE ARE CURSED LIKE THIS! Also i do love heels! Most of my friends are taller than me and they make me feel incredibly powerful and confident. I never reached the height they told me i would reach 😔
As a man who loves wearing high heels, yes heels should be for anyone. Also shoe companies please make high heeled shoes in larger sizes. Currently I can count the brands I can buy from on one hand with fingers to spare.
In my late teens, I wore 2" heeled boots because it seemed to me people took me more seriously when I was taller. Now I mostly wear flats for health reasons, but I do miss feeling tall...
I'm so conservative. Men should wear long wigs, heels, long robes, stockings and use tons of make up. #MakeMenManlyAgain
you scared me for a second lol. Same! Bring back manly men.
Yep, bring back the manly men of the 1700s 😂
😂😂😂
And don't forget the color pink. It's far to passionate a color for women. Women should be ladies and only wear blue!!😂
love this. you got quite the giggle from me. Reminds me of Karolina's manly men fashion video ROFL
I know a disabled female lawyer who has literally had to bring in a note from her doctor to allow her to wear flat shoes in certain judge’s courtrooms. Same with pants. 🤯
That is ridiculous!
@@jennifers5560-- But true! Some judges still require female lawyers to wear skirts, heels, and -- God forbid! -- hosery in their courtrooms. 😲😱 And in a courtroom, the judge's demand is LAW. So that is why legislation is needed.
@@markmh835 100% agree with you!
Oh wow that's so messed up! I've just recently met an older lady who had to have surgery on her feet due to wearing heels all her life. This is modern foot binding for the male gaze, it should not be a job requirement.
What country is this in? Does it have labor protection laws based on sex and/or gender?
Cisgender white male here who lives in the Great American West. (Love your channel Jessica! ❤) I see lots of cowboy boots on a daily basis, some worn by actual ranch hands, while others are worn by "urban cowboys" of short stature trying to increase their height. Some boots are very elaborate and expensive.
But when I refer to them as "male high heels," you should see how the Boys get their hackles up. Them are fighting words! I have nearly engaged in fisticuffs with a drunken cowboy or two when mentioning that I like their "high heels." 😊
Keep up the good work Jessica! You have fans all over the world in all walks of life. ❤
Yep, that's the most country thing I've heard today....yes I'm trapped in rule America, it's not bad, but I'm a city kid and love the city. I still give y'all mad respect and thank you for the work y'all do! ❤
Riding heels aren’t what I’d call high heels. It’s to keep your foot from going thru the stirrup, which is incredibly dangerous, not to make you look tall or give you a perky looking butt. But the main reason why they’re not high heels is they don’t tend to ruin your legs and give you chronic pain, or keep you from being able to move quickly or walk on a lawn 😂 It’s really dumb and disingenuous to pretend you don’t know there’s a difference tbh
@@barbarianvee I agree there is quite a difference. Due to how devded politik we are I am not trying to go hog wild lol. But it's true that our modern high heel did evolve from the riding heel like on cowboy boots. I think we should be able to ware heels if we want, without being told it's bad for a guy to Ware them. I'm sorry if my comment came across bad, I truly don't mean it that way. I found this fasnaticning as even I didn't know the true history of heels. Used to ride horses after my 1st family got me, so definitely understand the use of the cowboy boot and it's heel. Again I truly apologize for any misunderstanding. What would you suggest I say instead? Thank you so much!! Qujanaq!!
@@barbarianvee -- Kakumee, I think Stella was chastising me, the OP, and not you. "Riding heels" does sound like a better term to use than "high heels" when referring to cowboy boots, so thanks for that suggestion Stella.. 👢 Although I'm not sure the intended recipient will think it's much better. To be clear: I fursure am not talking about mocking the true cowboys and ranch hands (the preferred term). As I said in my original message, I am teasing the "urban cowboy" crowd who wouldn't know a stirrup from a turnip. They wear such boots solely to increase their height, inasmuch as most of those guys fall on the south end of 5'7". Basically, the Ron DeSantis fraternity. Giddyup through the high water! 😊
@@barbarianveehow high does a heel have to be in order to be a high heel? Regardless it's still a heel.
Yes! Do the history of pockets! That sounds amazing!
Abby Cox did a video covering pockets a while back. ❤ ua-cam.com/video/W2zSSE9pgC8/v-deo.htmlsi=BtcUwFCpm92wwdBe
@@curiousfirely Thank you!!
I am surprised you didnt mention the absolute best music icon in heels, Prince! He wasn't masculine or feminine, he was just sexy! I love your work, keep it up!
Thank you - definitely an oversight. Prince rocked some amazing heels. An absolute icon.
Yes I love the quote "Prince was the only guy who could show up at your party, in frills, and steal your girlfriend. Then steal her clothes, then steal someone else's girl in your girlfriends clothes."
I'm also surprised disco fashion didn't get a mention. It had both women and men wearing flamboyant outfits full of frills and sparkles and gigantic platform shoes!
Them: stick to the fashion no politics
The rest of us: ....are you new here?
This!
Definitely would love to hear about the history of pockets, or lack there of, in women's clothing.
Women's clothing had massive pockets for hundreds of years. We lost them fairly recently with the introduction of tighter fitting garments and less fabric in general, and no pockets became the norm in the 2000s when low cut jeans made it impossible to insert usable pockets. Abby Cox has a great video about this on her channel, highly recommended.
I heard from my wife that, because of a woman's hourglass shape, pockets just aren't a good look located at the hips. Filled pockets just make you look wider there. So women often carry a handbag.
I personally can't wear heels because of my joint issues, but my vote is that everyone who wants to wear heels should be able to without harassment, and everyone who doesn't should be able not to without harassment. Thanks for another great video!
I spent nearly 3 months unable to wear shoes because of an injury. I was so proud when I could finally put on a shoe. It then took a few more months to be able to do it on my own and tie the laces. Almost a year later and I am still recovering. I can wear shoes, but I can't walk on uneven ground. Heels are still not an option. I wonder what would have happened if I worked in a place that required me to wear heels.
My only critique is the echoy audio in the green chair, as a person with tinnitus, hard to hear, but I bet it was just gear hiccups :3 it happens.
Keep up the amazing work.
and yes, the shoes ARE fabulous
as a straight white male; "Respect my lbqt+ homies, Or I’m going to identify as a fvcking problem" - I enjoy the history and how it connects to politics, sociology, gender roles, class etc... thanks for being awesome and making great content.
In academia taking all into account, factoring in biases etc and not doing the "great man of history" -is called 'history from below'..
I'm currently suffering through historiography and historical methods. I'm too dumb for this shit, but "history from below" is quite interesting.
Strange choice of name, why did they choose that? Unless Im missing something I feel like it kind of perpetuates the problemlematic views about the people and events it's studying. I prefer something more like underdog history or history of the oppressed if anything
@@Steph-zo5zk history from below just means; the history of everybody who isn't the leaders, kings, "great man of history", just everyday people who none wrote anything down about. its often more about archeology, analysing dirt samples for pollen records to get an idea what they grew and ate etc...
Tbh it's not just that heels enable better riding. It's that riding without a heel is dangerous. Without a heel it is much easier for your foot to slip through the styrup. At best this means losing balance, which in itself can be risky, at worst it happens while you are falling off, and your foot, now hooked through the styrup, will be used to drag you ragdoll style across the field until you are far enough away that your horse calms down. Ironically far from the most lethal activity you can do on a horse, but it's still up there. Most stables won't let you ride in flats even if it's just a rein led joy ride.
I read the title of the video to my wife, and she said the answer is “Yes!”
…I think the title changed. 🙃
What was the original title?
@@Pee-p1vit was something like “Do high heels belong to men or women”
Contrary to the misogynistic comments, I enjoy the fact, you are talking about feminist topics with the actual basis formed of facts in a interesting manner! Also, I would like the deep dive in the history of the pockets, since it is pretty fun topic to discuss.
Please do a video about pockets! I wear “men’s” Levi jeans solely because they have much better pockets!
I enjoyed this deep dive into high heels!
Check out Duluth Trading. Their pockets are great !
Yes, absolutely! I don't get why women's jeans or any kind of trousers/pants have small pockets since for example smartphones are getting larger and larger.
I found some really nice looking jeans with large pockets at C&A. 🙂
A deep dive on deep pockets. 😂
Yes! Please do a pocket deep dive! Pet peeve that there are clothes that have fake pockets. Love the video. I’m a special occasions for heals type of girl.
Here for the history, politics, style, activism, and parasocial rufflicious teaparty vibes! ☕️
Personally, it's massively encouraging to have the opportunity to engage with thoughtful content from a fellow 2SLGBTQIA+ and chronically ill/EDS with comorbitities person. Thank you for the work you do!
I'm obsessed with 17th century European fashion for men, both before and after the justacorps and before the periwig started to get tall/unnatural, and yesss those Louis XIV heels. The time when crazy colors, high heels, petticoat breeches, and 10,000 pounds of ribbon were the ultimate expression of virile aristocratic masculinity.
The production is good. Multiple setups, wardrobe changes, excellent script. just the friggin best.
Finding this channel was definitely one of the best things that happened to me in my history with the Internet, hugs from Brazil Jessica!
Loved the video as always.
In answer to your question at the end of "should I look at the history of pockets..." Please do!
If i even wear a small heel, i usually cant walk the next day due to chronic tendon problems. In my youth, i suffered through it to wear heels for important events, prom, night out dancing, wedding, etc, but now i just could not care less about style.
5:50 I am an ancient egyptian butcher and... yes. ick. you ever tried to get drying entrails out of your toenails? double ick
😂
My wife managed to get a doctor's note making her job not force her to wear a skirt. If they had tried to make her wear heels she could've gotten that because of her vision... I mean, blind people in high heels? I, on the other hand, have had so much trouble with my feet, I'm sure I could get a doctor's note to not wear high heels. In fact, I wear a half size larger and one width wider shoes because of the problems, and I have to have large toe boxes. I did know that men started wearing high heels and I certainly understand why a rider on a horse needs heels. Nobody wants to get dragged by a horse with their foot stuck in a stirrup, I actually met someone who had that happen!
I would love an explanation as to why my clothes don't have pockets! It's so annoying, especially when I'm working! I will wear hoodies even on the hottest days of the year just for the pockets.
I'd recommend watching Style Theory's video on that. They do a great deepdive on the history of pockets and why they're lacking in women's clothes.
I often wonder how half of the population got brainwashed into agreeing that lack of functional pockets is acceptable. And how men got to keep the pockets, but got the prejudice against any bag smaller than a backpack/suitcase.
I have never been comfortable in High Heels, or makeup for that matter. One positive of the pamdemic for me is that I decided I didn't need to force myself into those performative pieces of femininity anymore. I am who I am, and people can take me or leave me. ❤
Right on!
Haven't watched yet, but I'm gonna go out on a limb and say: high heels and other articles of clothing should belong to everybody regardless of gender.
As a trans woman, I find wearing heels to be very gender affirming. My go-to footwear is a pair of chunky converse heels.
However, as a UK10 (EU44, not EU43 as so many womens UK10s seem to be...), I find it hard to find heels in designs I like and that are practical for everyday. As much as I like the idea of 6"+ stilettos, I just couldn't wear them outside because of the practice I'd need in them, because of lack of self confidence and anxiety, and because I'm already 6'1...
And let's not forget the film Kinky Boots, which is about a failing shoe company saved by retooling and training to build shoes for the gay and trans community that didn't break under the weight and foot shape of an amab person. It's a great film.
I normally don't wear heels because they make my bad back hurt, but I wore them for my wedding. Getting a good supportive insole for them worked wonders, and I highly recommend it for any wedding shoes. You'll be wearing them the entire day and probably dance in them too, so comfort is key!
I love the look of heels but there are several reasons I can’t wear them, first- I have quite large feet for a cis woman, I’m a size 11 to 12 and since having my kids now I’m also wide width so most shoes don’t come in my size. Second, I have very bad arthritis in my ankles so it just hurts way too much and lastly the newest reason is my immune mediated neuropathy has gotten so bad in my feet that I have lost most the feeling in my left foot so I have to be really careful when I’m walking so I don’t trip anyways. As far as men wearing heels I think anyone should be able to wear whatever makes them happy. If I see a guy in heels I’ll tell them I love their shoes!
I always wanted to be a heels person, but my lack of balance coupled with a very weak right ankle (thank you balance issues for making me break my ankle twice!), makes heels not only impractical, but nearly impossible for me to wear. I do absolutely LOVE a cute flat though!
I have balance issues too. So I use a cane. I have one that's adjustable in length for when I wear heels or platforms. Speaking of, platforms can give you the look of a heel with less if a strep angle on your foot. Some of them are practically flat. The Demonia Ranger boots are a great example of a platform heel that doesn't have much of a rise. I wear chunky heels. I do have a couple of pairs of stilettos. But those I got just because they are sexy. So I rarely wear them and only at home. So chunky heel platforms and a cane might be what you need to give heels a try.
@@jennoscura2381 Thanks for the tip! Before I broke my ankle the first time I loved a good chunky shoe. Practically spent my entire freshman year (of HS eep!) in them. I'll have to see if that's an option now. I actually cycle between a cane, a rollator, and a wheelchair. I guess I could wear hell in a wheelchair and not have to worry about the balance part. lol
@@tinkerbelle_belle1980 I also have a rollator and wheelchair.
Okay, but the shoes you're wearing in the thumbnail are absurdly cute. 😍
Just for your information: She partnered with a brand in the recent past… so look up her videos and maybe they are still available.
They are the shoes she talks about at the start of the video I think
@@m.s.3041 Thank you! I commented at the start of the video. : ) I just adore the color of them! I'll definitely look into her collab with American Dutchess!
yes please talk about pockets! i've heard stories about pockets being removed from skirts and dresses a long time ago to prevent women from 'hiding potions' etc, a la witches, and would love to hear more about the history there
As a genderfluid nonbinary person (she/they), I have a very complicated relationship with my heels. Sometimes I really form my outfit around what heel I want to wear, but sometimes I just can't stand them. Part of that complex relation stems from being socially expected growing up in a Catholic Italian household to wear jewelry, dresses, and heels to social events. My Dad once ordered me to put my heels back on at a cocktail party after I changed into flats; I refused because my feet hurt and there was still over an hour in the event before we could leave. Needless to say I am so glad that fashion is more gender neutral now than it was even just 10 years ago; let's keep this trend going!
As I understand it, chopines were high heels worn alone, while pattens were an over-shoe, meant to protect your normal shoes. So pattens are what you describe in the video, I think.
I think men can really rock heels, I'm always impressed by what great legs so many men have! Everyone should just wear whatever does it for them (ya know, as long as it's SOME clothing, lol) 🙂
I am a woman; I was born a woman; and I think I was also born with a weird genetic disorder that makes high heels not just an impractical choice but a mildly dangerous one. I had one pair of boots as a teenager that had heels...not skinny, eight-inch, stiletto-type heels, but solid, maybe three-inch, full-width-of-the-sole-type heels. I wore them regularly for about two years, and when I tell you I never got the hang of those heels, I mean that half the women in my state probably suffered secondhand embarrassment for me as I tried to get around in those things! I eventually got to the point where I could handle a sedate walk in them without feeling like I was one misstep from falling over, but that was as good as it ever got. Nowadays, I stick to flat-soled shoes; they might not be as fashionable, but at least I will be able to run if there's ever a fire! 😂
Or a man chasing you
@@gwynnmccallan8856 Yeah, I was trying not to think of that, lol.
Thank you for making a flat shoe with an accessible strap. A few months ago, I was so injured that I couldn't wear shoes that had laces or buckles or straps because I couldn't reach them. I had to attend my father's funeral and the only shoes I could find were slip on ballet flats. I kept slipping out of them when I tried to walk. And the traction wasn't great. If I could have had the Claud flats, the whole ordeal would have saved me so much stress and worry about whether or not I could move around safely.
as a nonbinary person, i love the concept of heels! but my feet don't. i would wear them if i found a really good pair of them. :) maybe one day ...
i'm loving your fashion history videos! a video on the history of pockets and why clothes pushed for women have no pockets would be very cool. have a good day!!!
I need heels as they correct my feet and way of walking to more natural and less harmful for my feet and legs. But man do I struggle with finding heels that aren't dainty and make me fall over. I prefer the sturdy more riding boot like heel. Those heels do make me feel powerful and cool, but mostly because I can actually stand, walk and run in them. Can't do that on flats, can't do that on high daintier heels. Coupled with weak ankles, boot with sturdy heels are the way to go!
I've always known heels weren't historically feminine, but I didn't know about the riding boot! That makes so much sense. I sometimes use my heels to stay balanced on my bike as well.
Decent riding stables in UK won't let you on their horses unless your shoes have a heel (so no trainers, for example). Without them, the foot and get stuck down through the stirrup and you fall off, you'll get dragged along behind the horse
You mean there are ones who…don’t require it? That’s horrifying
History of pockets, please, and why there are so few of them in women’s clothes!
As a person with hypermobility, I have to ask: how do you make high heels work for you? Whenever I try to wear heels, my feet compress and slide down into the toe of the shoe, which is really uncomfortable. The only way I've been able to keep heels in the right place is by wearing them a size or two too small, which is uncomfortable in a different way.
YES to history of pockets!!!!
I'm definitely not a heels lesbian, heeled shoes are not for me. However, I sometimes really like designer high-heels that are oddly shaped and brightly colored but I couldn't possibly afford them and wearing them would be a pain for me due to medical reasons. Loved your video as always.
The Jessie shoes are the most beautiful shoes I have ever seen.❤
The story of pockets would be interesting paired with purses as they tend to go hand in hand-bag.😉
Also as a follow-up to your previous video about dresses you don't wear, I was glad to see the "Montessori" dress make an appearance with the over dress or waistcoat. It gave autumnal, cottage-core in a polished way.
Great video! I love these clothing history videos and would love one on pockets.
Bata Shoe Museum is in Toronto Canada. Canadians Representation. Woooo
I would also like to see a video on pockets, but I would also like to see a video specifically about the STEEP divide between clothes, especially underwear, where smaller 'ideal' bodies have pretty designs or are made with patterns and lace which is either very nice or very scratchy, and then when you get to a size where you're o longer 'ideal', all you have is BEIGE. Beige bras you can't wear a cute top with because the beige bras only come in t-shirt style and are super visible. It can be as little as cute: A cup, B cup, C cup- BEIGE D cup (maybe a few cute styles) and then beige E cups, what's an f cup- there's only three stores in my state that sell G cups? IN BEIGE. (also knickers have this similar drop off. And the beige lace is more often scratchy.) Who heard of big busted teens wanting to look and feel pretty, let alone sexy- NOPE, ONCE YOU PASS D IT'S GRANDMA-CHIC FOR YOU. FOR EVER. Shame on you for not being a B-cup.
As an ancient egyptian butcher I can personally confirm that I wore high heels because EDS gave me shortened hamstrings and I needed the elevation on the heels to correct my posture for standing, walking and even just sitting.
So yeah, it was for purely orthopedic purposes.
That they were absolutely fabulous and that it kept your drapy cloak out of the blood on the floor were just awesome side benefits.
;P
This is a fun and interesting video! ❤ I don’t wear high heels because my feet are small (kid’s size 2) and I’m more comfortable in flats or sneakers. I also like to wear pants with pockets However, all women should feel comfortable in anything they want to wear without judgement from other people. 😊
Cuban heel boots were popular in the 60s because of the Beatles, so I guess it has to take a style icon to get them to wear heels lol
I definitely aspire to be a Heels Lesbian, but generally the only places that stock heels size 13-14 have astronomical prices, so I am instead a Boots Lesbian
Fascinating topic as always! Just a little note: the main audio sounds a little echoy and it makes it harder to understand, but the side character Jessicas sound good...
I love the various Jessica's and their purpose in the storytelling of the video!
I also have hEDS and find wearing heels super difficult. When I do wear heels for cosplay, I usually wear ones that are super chunky, like Mary Jane's or platforms. I do think heels are pretty, but I can not sacrifice my comfort and health for shoes
"A lot of shoes designed for women simply aren't made in bigger sizes, which is really sad."
As a woman who wears a US size 11 shoe, *tell me about it.* I feel for trans and nb folks who can't find shoes in their size, and I'm also mad about it as a tall cis woman. The number of times I've gone into a store looking for a cute pair of shoes only to be told, "we only carry up to size 10 in-store, you can find bigger sizes online" is obnoxious. How am I supposed to try the shoes on over the internet, exactly? Let's make cute shoes more available for people of every gender who happen to have bigger feet. We should already have been doing this.
As far as how I feel about heels, I think my opinion is definitely informed by my height. As a woman who is 5'11" barefoot, I feel like society doesn't want me to wear heels -- which just makes me want to do it MORE. I think I spent most of high school in 4" chunky heeled boots. I haven't worn a lot of traditional, more delicate-looking heels, but I would be interested in trying some that have a heel similar to your Jessies -- the curved heel that rests below the body's center of mass, rather than at the back of the shoe.
What are your thoughts on heels in alternative subcultures? I feel like a masc-coded person and a femme-coded person could easily wear the same platform-heeled knee-high Doc Martens in the goth, punk, or scene subcultures and not have either look out of place or less masculine/feminine. I recognize that those subcultures may not be your area of expertise, but it crossed my mind and I wanted to toss it out there.
Don't even get me started on fake pockets!
What’s the point of fake pockets???!!
Sometimes fake pockets are not fake! Sometimes they are very tiny, and sewed shut for no clear reason! Check for the pocket lining, on the inner side.
Fascinating, as always, and I would LOVE a similar video about the history of pockets!
Universe is telling me something, partner just mentioned marriage earlier today and now your giving me tips
it belongs to whoever bought them in my opinion
and for those who can pull it off well
Thank you for this video!
I like heels sometimes, but don't often wear them. It's a combination of finding them painful & hard to walk in sometimes, but also being tols continually that I'm too tall to wear heels growing up. I'm 5ft 9". Pockets I am interested in learning more about! I started dressmaking and put pockets in everything I make now!
A marvellous video! I am a lover of heels both watching and wearing!
19:34 Y2K American, here. It's hard NOT to idolize the white cowboy when you've been taught incorrect history on purpose, but young people are more and more willing to accept the truth as it gets hauled into the light. The general irritation isn't that we have to relearn history, but that we've been lied to our whole lives - and that goes for gender, race, and religious issues, too. It's annoying having the heavy task of rebuilding dumped on us, but it's also exciting that WE have it in our hands and get to choose which way our country turns next. As nations go, America is still very much a baby learning how to walk, after all.
Yes! Pockets video!
History of pockets or hats please.
Yes to the pocket video :D
Nice to see more fashion videos again ❤ love jess's style
Im a trans guy and I like wearing heels because they make me feel pretty but I only feel comfortable wearing them around my very close friends or in queer spaces where I know people who see me wearing them will respect my gender despite wearing ‘traditionally feminine’ shoes
I love the concept of heels but they hurt. But i cant wear flat shoes either
Leaving a comment for the algorithm. Great video
Given my sensory sensitivities and lack of balance, high heels are not something that appeal to me. I always prefer to be barefoot whenever possible and wear sneakers whenever it’s impractical to be barefoot. I haven’t worn formal shoes of any kind in as long as I can remember.
Please continue with the sociology and politics. It's well researched and interesting. Don't let them put you in the pretty must mean dumb box. Love your content x
Straight, cis-female here. I hate wearing heels, and am not into fashion or makeup, although I enjoy fashion content as it relates to history or conscious self expression. (Which is why I find your content so interesting.) My only footwear is flip flops, sneakers, or Birkenstocks. I’m retired, and exclusively wear jeans and cotton shirts. My age, combined with my refusal to “be a bit more put together” means people underestimate me more often than not. It’s fascinating (if annoying af) that I’m seen as perhaps not very educated, perhaps low income, and more than a bit lazy. My husband is jeans-and-a-tshirt with suspenders, sneakers, and is older than me. He is invariably treated with respect.
I’m sure you’re shocked.
🙄
The original high heels follow the same logic as the stirrup cup, being designed for a balance other than "freestanding on a flat surface".
My best friend in high school adored high heels. She wore heeled boots most of the time, including this cool pair with multiple straps that had skull buckles, which she called her 'pirate boots'.
I've got a short and wide foot, so I have a difficult time finding shoes that fit me. The only heels I can recall having which fit were a pair of wedge-heel ankle boots and a pair of square-toed one-inch heels.
Oooh the history of pockets would be so good!
Personally, I'm a heels-bisexual. I love heels, partly because I'm short and like being tall, partly because I like how they elongate my legs visually, and partly because I find that flats really hurt my feet no matter what (bony hypermobile feet why do you curse me so!). I also have really small feet, so most of the shoes that are pretty/cute/feminine/visually interesting that are designed for my size are either flats or heels. Since I can't do flats without literal cuts in my feet, heels end up generally being the route I take. Also, like our wonderful Jessica here, I adore vintage fashion and those circle skirts just feel a bit more fun to twirl when I'm wearing heels. My wardrobe is almost entirely wedge heels now though, since my joints don't love them.
Fun history!
another fun video, I absolutely love my heels. Thanks for another fun video
Love the idea of a deep dive into pockets!
did i already know most of the things said in this video? yes. did i watch it all like i dont even know what heels are? also yes.
The advert I got for Louboutins 2/3rds of the way through this video had me laughing so much! And then another advert for Reese's peanut butter cups in the shape of shoes pretty much finished me off and I nearly died laughing.
I love wearing heels, when I can find a pair that are comfy and my size. As a trans woman with UK size 10 feet, finding nice shoes in my size that I like is not easy.
Oh, Mrs. Jessica, please do pockets. I am a Cis man, and I never understood why men's clothing came with so many useful pockets and women were forced to carry purses everywhere.
High heels belong to us All!!
gosh! the pocket thing is really interesting! a video of it would be nice,:)
I transitioned from male to female - did you, what did it cost you?
A: Pockets.....!
Please do a pocket thing and what side a blouse/shirt buttons up depicts what gender
they are for shirts/blouses should be universally available these stupid rules... And women's sizes are a video and campaign in itself, we deserve sizing that we have realistic expectations they fit, a size 12 can also be the same as a size 10 to 14 depending on the whim of the maker it makes online shopping pot luck.
A
Your shoes are so cute! 🧡
A good pair of heels is lovely but so hard to find. Personally I’m a big fan of 1920s inspired heels. Lovely video! Thanks for covering this topic
I like wearing heels because they make me stand straighter and stop hunching. Also, the height is great 👍🏻
Personally, I mostly associate high heels with going to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show. As a man who takes a size 12-13 shoe (depending on brand) I have found in recent years getting heels in my size has gotten a lot easier. When I got my first pair the options were basically ‘Adult Bookstores’ , adverts in the back of certain magazines (and weirdly the Daily Mail) or Long Tall Sally (a clothing store that caters specifically to women who are taller and generally bigger than the sizes in regular clothes stores). The last pair I bought came from Amazon next day delivery.
Ron DeSantis loves this for sure.
lol!
YES PLEASE HISTORY OF POCKETS! I DESPERATELY NEED TO KNOW WHY WE ARE CURSED LIKE THIS! Also i do love heels! Most of my friends are taller than me and they make me feel incredibly powerful and confident. I never reached the height they told me i would reach 😔
Please make a pockets video... please. I need to know and understand this information, I am desperate.
well Men first wore heels in the ye olden times, as a hey look how great i am kinda thing
As a man who loves wearing high heels, yes heels should be for anyone. Also shoe companies please make high heeled shoes in larger sizes. Currently I can count the brands I can buy from on one hand with fingers to spare.
Youre amazing and beautoful and influencial please never stop ❤️🤘❤️🤘
In my late teens, I wore 2" heeled boots because it seemed to me people took me more seriously when I was taller. Now I mostly wear flats for health reasons, but I do miss feeling tall...