Shoulder pads

These shoulder pads created the fashionable 1980s silhouette of wide, squared shoulders. Women's fashions in the 1980s were influenced by 1940s styles, masculine fashion and tailoring traditions. The overall look was called 'Power Dressing'.

These shoulder pads were worn by Edith Klenner between 1988 and 1993 when she worked as a coordinator at the information centre in Te Aroha, Waikato. They were part of a wardrobe makeover session she received. She wore them under camisoles and jerseys, with the camisole straps held in place by splits in the foam. Usually velcro was needed to keep shoulder pads in place, but these pads could sit directly on the skin. Edith recalls that they sat well and didn't slip.