Three Guineas

Woolf describes the way clothing functions differently for men and women. Dressmaking was the only profession truly open to women until 1919, and clothing was, for women, one of the few means of expression and influence they possessed. But for men, “it serves to advertise the social, professional, or intellectual standing of the wearer” (19). This “advertisement function” (19) was denied to women until recently. As such, Woolf notes that “your finest clothes are those that you wear as soldiers” (21), designed “partly […] to impress the beholder with the majesty of the military office [and] partly […] through their vanity to induce young men to become soldiers” (21). This need to dress extravagantly and add letters after one’s name encourages a disposition toward war. By refusing such clothing and distinctions, women can help to prevent war.

Women who wish to influence the world still find “many doors” (21) locked to them. Women are limited in that they can express an opinion only on the surface of matters. To prevent war, women must be allowed to “penetrate deeper” (23) and have a more resounding influence. Woolf admits that women have more money and education now, which results in some influence, but this limited power again comes at the behest of men.