Dirty Laundry Trivia Quiz

Answer: crinoline

The crinoline, a stiffened or hooped petticoat, was a popular fashion item in the mid-19th century, especially during the 1850s and 1860s. This structured undergarment was designed to hold out a woman's skirt, creating a bell-shaped silhouette. Although it allowed for more freedom of movement than the multiple layers of petticoats previously worn, the crinoline was often seen as risqué.

Its large, dramatic shape sometimes revealed ankles or more when caught by a gust of wind or if a woman moved too quickly, which was considered improper at the time. Despite this, many women wore crinolines as a subtle act of rebellion against restrictive social norms, and it eventually became popular amongst the upper classes, with royals even donning it.

Answer: sari

The sari is a traditional Indian garment that has been worn for thousands of years and remains popular even today. It is a long piece of fabric, usually between 5 to 9 yards, that is draped around the body in various styles, often leaving the midriff bare, though this is not a requirement.

This way of wearing the sari, with an exposed midriff, was rooted in ancient Indian beliefs that emphasized the natural beauty of the human form. However, during British colonial rule and the Victorian era, the bare midriff was considered risqué and inappropriate by Western standards, and in some more conservative corners of Indian society, the bare midriff is considered immodest.

Answer: bloomers

Bloomers were a type of loose-fitting pants worn by women that became popular in the mid-19th century, particularly in the 1850s. Named after Amelia Bloomer, a women's rights advocate who promoted them as a practical alternative to the restrictive skirts and petticoats of the time, bloomers were seen as quite risqué.

Unlike traditional women's clothing, bloomers were cut to resemble men's trousers, which was shocking to many who believed women should dress modestly and differently from men. Wearing bloomers was a bold statement and a direct challenge to social norms that dictated how women should dress and behave. By adopting bloomers, women pushed back against the discomfort and impracticality of heavy skirts.

Answer: exposed neck

The kimono, a traditional Japanese garment, has been a prominent part of Japanese culture since the Heian period (794-1185) and gained particular popularity during the Edo period (1603-1868), when it became a canvas for artistic expression with elaborate patterns and designs. One of the kimono's distinct features is the exposed neck at the back, which was considered risqué because it subtly highlighted the nape of the neck, a part of the body regarded as sensual in Japanese culture.

Geisha, who were skilled performers in music, dance, and conversation, wore kimonos in ways that emphasized this feature, enhancing their allure. For some women, wearing the kimono in styles that highlighted the exposed neck or used bold patterns and colors was a subtle rebellion against strict social standards that dictated modesty and propriety.

Answer: zoot suit

A cultural panic in the 1940s existed in which some white Americans expressed concerns that people of color (POC) were trying to seduce white women through their culture, particularly through the wearing of zoot suits. This panic was part of broader racial tensions and fears during the era, where the zoot suit-worn predominantly by young African American, Mexican American, and Filipino American men-became a symbol of defiance against mainstream white society.

The flashy, exaggerated style of the zoot suit stood out sharply against the more conservative and ration-conscious clothing norms of World War II. For many white Americans, the zoot suit was not just a fashion statement but a challenge to social order and racial hierarchies. The fear was compounded by the idea that young men of color, wearing these eye-catching suits and engaging in vibrant subcultures like jazz and swing, might attract white women, which many perceived as a threat to racial purity and societal norms. Nonetheless, white Americans later adopted the zoot suit into their own fashions as African American culture continued to contribute to American culture as a whole.

Answer: Flappers

Flapper fashion became popular in the 1920s, during a time of social change and rebellion against the conservative norms of earlier decades. Flappers wore short, knee-length dresses with loose silhouettes, which was a stark contrast to the restrictive corsets and long skirts that women had worn before. These dresses often had low waistlines and were decorated with fringe, beads, or sequins, making them perfect for dancing.

The fashion was considered risqué because it exposed more of the arms and legs than was previously acceptable, and the style was often paired with short bobbed hair, heavy makeup, and bold accessories. Flapper fashion was a rebuke to social standards because it rejected the traditional expectations of modesty and femininity, allowing women to express independence, challenge gender roles, and embrace a new sense of freedom and modernity.

Answer: China

The cheongsam, or qipao, is a traditional Chinese dress that became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, especially in cosmopolitan cities like Shanghai. Unlike the loose, modest clothing typically worn by women at the time, the cheongsam was form-fitting, with a high slit on one or both sides, making it quite risqué for its time.

The dress highlighted the curves of a woman's body, which challenged traditional views on modesty and femininity in Chinese society. Today, the cheongsam is still popular and is often worn for special occasions like weddings, festivals, or cultural events. Modern versions vary widely in style and length, combining traditional elements with contemporary fashion trends.

Answer: papakha

The papakha, a traditional wool hat from the Caucasus, was originally worn by men as a symbol of strength, warrior spirit, and cultural pride. In the early 20th century, during periods of conflict and resistance in the region, some women began wearing the papakha while fighting alongside their people, particularly in times of war and rebellion. For these women, wearing the papakha was both a practical choice for battle and a powerful statement of unity and defiance.

It was considered risqué and unconventional because the papakha was a distinctly masculine garment, and women wearing it challenged the strict gender roles and expectations of the time.

Answer: Yes

The bikini, a two-piece swimsuit, became popular in the 1950s and 1960s but was initially introduced in 1946 by French designer Louis Réard. At the time, it was considered highly risqué because it revealed much more skin than any previous swimsuits, showing the midriff and legs in a way that shocked conservative society.

Réard named it the "bikini" after Bikini Atoll, where the United States had conducted nuclear tests earlier that year, with some arguing his motivations were that the swimsuit would create an "explosive" reaction, just like the bomb tests.

Interestingly, it is a coincidence that "bikini" starts with the prefix "bi-," which means "two," matching the swimsuit's two-piece design. The name was more about the shock value and cultural impact rather than its literal meaning.

Answer: spaghetti

Spaghetti straps, thin shoulder straps often found on dresses, tops, and camisoles, became especially popular in the 1990s and early 2000s as part of casual and evening wear. The name "spaghetti straps" comes from their resemblance to thin strands of spaghetti. While they offer a chic and minimalist look, spaghetti straps are still considered risqué in some circles because they reveal the shoulders and upper arms, which some view as too revealing for certain settings.

Even today, spaghetti straps can be a source of controversy, particularly in school dress codes or more conservative communities that expect modesty. Many schools have dress codes that ban spaghetti straps, arguing they are "distracting," sparking debates about body shaming and the policing of young women's clothing choices.