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Transition of Clothing from 1920's to 1930's

The fashion industry drastically changed in the 1920’s to the 1930’s due to Prohibition, World War I, and the World Stock Market Crash of 1929. Theses influences inspired the style change of hem length, fabric, and accessories. The economic crisis leads to new and different social transition of men’s style becoming women’s fashion. And finally the need for teenage rebellion paved the way for various design changes within the decade. Clothing Transition from 1920's-1930's The 1920’s was known for its “worldly, sexually charged adolescence,” states Kathleen Morgan Drowne. The slender, flat-chested, boyish look of a teenage body became extremely popular and caused many girls to go on strict diets. Some would even bind their chest, as the dress style was only fashionable on this type of girl. The flapper for instance targeted “bare legs, bold, short haircuts, and scarlet lipstick … and Mary Jane shoes.” During the 1920’s department stores such as Gimbels and Macy’s displayed prearranged, layered outfits in order for customers to favor purchasing the entire ensemble with accessories and shoes than just one product. Loose and long wool suits with a low waist line at the hip were most popular, as were buttons. Men’s blazers and trousers even became a fashion trend for women. Deep V-necks or boat-style necklines were the new shapes for designer gowns. Pearls and long draped necklaces emphasized the exposed backs. Finally the cloches or “small, trim hats became de rigueur for stylish women.” According to William H. Young, “the Crash of 1929 destroyed much of the youthful exuberance of the decade; the 1930’s would prove to be a cooler, quieter time for fashion.” Waist and bust lines were reemerging, as well as the “rediscovery of curves.” Where belts in the 1920’s were once at the lower hip, now are emphasizing the upper waist region while fabrics clung to the woman’s figure. Girls looked to the movie stars and Vogue magazine to determine what the next style would be, just as we do now. Synthetic materials such as rayon became a favorite. One of the most popular styles following the flapper was the “Hooverettes,” a wraparound that sold extremely cheap during the Depression. Dark nail polish and matching lipstick became the new trend for cosmetics. Not many women could afford real jewels so costume jewelry took over. Hat pins replaced traditional hats and zippers replaced buttons. Lastly, “the Blonde Bombshell” introducing the transition of the short black bob in the 1920’s to longer platinum blond hair in the 1930’s, catching the public’s eye. Noticeable differences are seen between the styles in one decade. The lengths of the hems have increased, though that trend would not last long. The economy picked back up in the 1930’s and more so in the 1950’s increasing women’s purchases. Fabric, as well as hair styles, and accessories changed as well. It just comes to show how big a difference a short time span can affect the fashion industry.

References

Drowne, K. M., & Huber, P. (n.d.). The 1920's - Google Books. Google Books. Retrieved February 23, 2010, from http://books.google.com/books?id=CecCHiI95dYC&pg=PA99&dq=1920's+fashion&cd=3#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Young, W. H., & Young, N. K. (n.d.). The 1930s - Google Books. Google Books. Retrieved February 23, 2010, from http://books.google.com/books?id=vrK1dFXqT78C&pg=PA81&dq=1930's+fashion&lr=&cd=23#v=onepage&q=&f=false