1920s fashion
Introduction
The Roaring Twenties was a time of liberation and exuberance. After World War I, society craved change, and 1920s fashion reflected this shift. Women ditched corsets for freer silhouettes, while men embraced casual elegance. This era’s styles, often called the Jazz Age, continue to inspire modern wardrobes.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the historical context, women’s and men’s trends, accessories, influences, misconceptions, and how to recreate 1920s fashion now. Whether you’re planning a Gatsby-themed party or seeking vintage inspiration, these insights solve common queries like “What defined 1920s fashion?” and “How can I style it today?”
Historical Context of 1920s Fashion
The 1920s followed World War I, which ended in 1918. This period brought economic prosperity and social upheaval. Women’s suffrage in 1920 empowered them, leading to bolder styles.
Fashion moved from Victorian restrictions to modernity. Simplicity replaced layers, influenced by wartime practicality. The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 sparked Egyptian motifs in designs.
Jazz music and dances like the Charleston demanded movable clothing. Prohibition-era speakeasies encouraged glamorous evening wear. By the decade’s end, the 1929 stock market crash hinted at change, but 1920s fashion had already redefined elegance.
Key events:
- 1923: Broadway’s Runnin’ Wild popularized the Charleston.
- 1925: Paris Exposition introduced Art Deco.
- 1926: Josephine Baker’s rise boosted short hairstyles.
These factors created a vibrant, rebellious style era.
Women’s 1920s Fashion Trends
Women’s 1920s fashion symbolized freedom. The “la garçonne” or tomboy look dominated, with androgynous silhouettes. Hemlines rose from ankles to knees, shocking conservatives.
The Flapper Look
Flappers epitomized youth and rebellion. These women wore loose dresses, bobbed hair, and makeup. The term “flapper” possibly came from unbuckled galoshes or earlier slang.
Flapper style included tubular dresses with drop waists. Evening versions sparkled with beads and fringe for dancing.
Dresses and Silhouettes
Day dresses were simple, in economical fabrics like cotton. Evening gowns featured ornate beadwork and sequins.
The “robe de style” offered a feminine alternative with full skirts and no visible waist, designed by Jeanne Lanvin. Sportswear blended into daily outfits, like pleated tennis skirts by Jean Patou.
Hemlines peaked in 1926, just below the knee. Flesh-colored stockings completed the look.
Hairstyles and Hats
The bob haircut was revolutionary. Irene Castle popularized it in 1915, but Louise Brooks and Josephine Baker made it iconic. Variations included the shingle (tapered at the nape) and Eton crop (ultra-short).
Cloche hats, bell-shaped and snug, paired perfectly with bobs. Designed by Caroline Reboux, they were daytime essentials.
Suntanned skin from outdoor sports became fashionable, shifting from pale ideals.
Men’s 1920s Fashion Trends
Men’s 1920s fashion relaxed post-war. Suits became sleeker, influenced by British tailoring and American jazz culture.
Suits and Trousers
Suits featured fitted jackets with two or three buttons. Fabrics like wool tweed or flannel were common, in pinstripes or windowpanes.
Trousers evolved: early slim “drainpipe” styles gave way to wide-legged Oxford bags, up to 44 inches wide. High-waisted “jazz suits” were popular among youth.
The Prince of Wales popularized casual suits with fedoras.
Casual and Sportswear
Casual wear included plus-fours (baggy knickers) for golf, paired with Fair Isle sweaters. Knitwear like V-neck pullovers was everyday.
Beach attire featured vibrant bathing suits. Automobile culture brought driving caps and dusters.
Hats and Accessories
Fedoras were staples, with snap brims. Flat caps and newsboy caps suited working men.
Accessories: Collar pins, pocket squares in silk, and pocket watches. Ties were shorter, often knit or bold-patterned.
Shoes shifted to oxfords and brogues.
Accessories in 1920s Fashion
Accessories completed the look. For women: Long pearl necklaces, layered for evenings. Geometric Art Deco jewelry used semi-precious stones and plastics.
Gloves, fans, and headbands added flair. Mesh stockings and T-strap heels were practical yet stylish.
Men accessorized with canes (often decorative), eyewear in celluloid frames, and belts over suspenders.
Both genders wore wristwatches as pocket versions waned.
Common accessories:
- Pearls and beads for women.
- Tie clips and cufflinks for men.
- Cloche hats and fedoras.
- Egyptian-inspired motifs from Tutankhamun’s influence.
Influences on 1920s Fashion
Art Deco was pivotal, with geometric patterns and luxurious materials. The 1925 Paris Exposition named this style.
Jazz and the Harlem Renaissance inspired fringe and movement-friendly designs. Dances like the Charleston required shorter hems.
Designers like Coco Chanel revolutionized with the Little Black Dress in 1926. Jean Patou and Jeanne Lanvin focused on sportswear and femininity.
Sports influenced casual wear. Tennis star Suzanne Lenglen wore Patou’s pleated dresses.
Cultural icons: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925) captured the era’s opulence.
Common Misconceptions About 1920s Fashion
Many think all 1920s fashion was straight and androgynous. But evening dresses often had curves or ruffles.
Fringed flapper dresses weren’t universal; many outfits were simpler.
Not all women were flappers—conservative styles persisted.
Men’s fashion wasn’t just gangster suits; casual sportswear was key.
Dispelling these helps appreciate the era’s diversity.
Recreating 1920s Fashion Today
1920s fashion revives in 2024, post-COVID, blending glamour with comfort. Drop-waist dresses appear in Chanel and Dior collections.
Tips for modern styling:
- Pair a beaded shift dress with sneakers for casual.
- Layer pearls over a blazer.
- Try a bob wig or headband for events.
- For men, wide-legged pants with a fedora.
Celebrities like Zendaya and Hailey Bieber sport sleek bobs. Runways feature fringed midi dresses.
Shop vintage-inspired pieces from Unique Vintage or Flapper Boutique.
This timeless style solves wardrobe ruts with elegant twists.
Conclusion
1920s fashion transformed society, from flapper freedom to men’s casual suits. Influences like Art Deco and jazz created enduring icons.
Explore this era for your next outfit. What’s your favorite 1920s fashion element?
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