© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
With our partner, The Connecticut Historical Society, WNPR News presents unique and eclectic view of life in Connecticut throughout its history. The Connecticut Historical Society is a partner in Connecticut History Online (CHO) — a digital collection of over 18,000 digital primary sources, together with associated interpretive and educational material. The CHO partner and contributing organizations represent three major communities — libraries, museums, and historical societies — who preserve and make accessible historical collections within the state of Connecticut.

The Sporty Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn relished wearing slacks at a time when most women would never consider such a clothing item as an every-day element of their wardrobes. Although Hepburn’s choices were unusual at the time, the idea of sportswear was becoming more and more popular. American designers began creating clothing made from knits with the primary purpose being comfort, practicality, and ease of movement.  Pants were designed but not widely adopted outside the home, until  Hepburn along with some of her more liberal minded contemporaries made pants chic.

Throughout her time in films, Hepburn had chances to showcase her casual style and athletic ability onscreen. In 1952, she starred with Spencer Tracy in "Pat and Mike," the story of a professional athlete.  The storyline gave her an opportunity to show off her golf skills. Just a few years later, in 1956, she showed off her abilities once again as she piloted a plane in the movie "The Iron Petticoat."

Hepburn’s wardrobe, throughout her life, was based on a desire for comfort and practicality. Much of her clothing that was considered scandalous in the 1930s is typical of American style today: slacks with button-up shirts or turtleneck sweaters. Hepburn’s style spoke to who she was, a woman of great independence, athletic ability, and determination.

There are just a few short days left to view a sampling of Katharine’s sportswear and the magnificent costumes she wore when performing. To do so, visit "Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage and Screen,"a traveling exhibition from the Kent State University Museum on view at the Connecticut Historical Society through September 13. The accompanying catalogue, Katharine Hepburn: Rebel Chic, is available at the CHS museum shop.  

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content