I'm well aware of the reformers, including Dr. Mary Walker, who always wore men's clothes, and held a comission in the Union Army.
I'm also aware that, in the 1930s, my mother felt the need to sneak up the back stairs so the minister wouldn't see she was wearing slacks. There's this thing called convention, you see.
I'm told women go topless at the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival. I wouldn't. It might be more comfortable, but it wouldn't be what I'm used to.
It bothers me to see Muslim women in veils. I'd hate wearing something like that. But I understand they would be even less comfortable unveiled.
My sister enjoys what we used to call "primitive camping", no plumbing at all. She prefers full skirts for this, because it's easier to relieve herself in the woods. I had a similar experience in France, the land of the coed urinal.
Writing historical fiction, it's tempting to give characters modern sensibilities. It's tough to like Jack Aubrey when he has one of his crew flogged. But I admire O'Brian for not taking the easy way out, and making Jack a 20th century man.
A nineteenth century character without at least SOME nineteenth century prejudices is not believable. Even the reformers could be absurdly conventional in their outlook.