Annie Jenness Miller

Anna Jenness Miller (January 28, 1859 – August 1935) was a pioneering American clothing designer and an advocate for dress reform, as well as an author and lecturer. Her main goals were to be an "advocate of correct principles of physical development and dress for women." She also wanted to educate mass groups of men and women about the importance of hygiene and health to prevent the spread of diseases. As a lecturer, she spoke about human rights, arguing for equality. a prestigious title in Boston, Massachusetts. This included women such as Louisa May Alcott, Julia Ward Howe, Susan Paul, Maria Stewart, and Lucy Stone. Women in Letters were activists, writers, and strove for positive changes in social justice.

Dress reform Dress reform is defined as wearing and designing clothing that is more practical and more comfortable than fashion during a specific time period. During the mid to late 1800s, Victorian dress reform also meant a rise in feminism, athletic wear, and undergarments. Dress reformers, such as Annie Miller, promoted a larger waist bodice called an emancipation waist. The emancipation waist was still tight however, it was not a corset. Dress reformers were trying to eliminate the need for always wearing corsets to opt for more comfortable and more practical daily attire. More effective and enjoyable undergarments were to follow after the achievement of the emancipation waist due to the success and attention it received by many reformers, activists, and even men enjoyed wearing the "reform" bodices in the winter under their clothing.

She was the author of two books: Physical Beauty and Father, Mother and Babe. Physical Beauty talks about her opinions of what is physical beauty, going against higher ideals, individuality, and the dress reform, and many other topics.

For the last years of her life, she resided in Washington, D.C., where she had a large real estate interest.