1920s' Clothing - Fashion of the Twenties

The 1920s' clothing was one period that gave women certain liberation; as far as their dressing was concerned. Fashion in the 1920s' varied in different periods, but one could see a notable change happening out here. This was the time when the 1920s' clothing was entering a new era; silhouettes were changing and so were the thoughts of most women. Here is a detailed look at the 1920s' clothing and how some of these style trends and 1920s' attire is arriving and/or still exists in our wardrobe, in some form or the other!

Men and Women - 1920s Fashion Trends

The 1920s' clothing became more comfortable for women. This was the time when women began wearing short skirts (till their knees) and trousers, and leggy lasses had a great time flaunting such skirts at prominent occasions. The early period of the 20s saw a more conservative style towards clothing, which became more flamboyant later on. This kind of liberation for women brought about a whole new identity especially in terms of their clothing. Art also had a great influence over the 1920s' clothing. Geometric forms and shapes were improvised in the designs as well.


Calf-length and knee-length dresses also gained prominence in fashion of the twenties. The 1920s' fashion also gave birth to the term - flapper fashion. This style of fashion referred to women who showed a bold attitude and loved to jazz up their looks, without really adhering to the norms of the society at large. Flapper represented women who adored short skirts and loved to use a lot of makeup. Such women were also seen sporting short hair, as well as brashly consuming alcohol. This look was more about appearing boyish rather than looking feminine. Dresses were also incorporated in the 1920s' clothing and this became a mark of the flapper fashion. Women wore loose dresses that had straight silhouettes; these dresses flowed down to the ankles. Sometimes, loose skirts were also worn up to the knees which allowed a flash of leg! Bold makeup and plucked eyebrows were considered to be a mark of the flapper women.

With the mention of 1920s' flapper, comes the mention of the very talented fashion designer, Coco Chanel. She a made a mark in the 1920s' clothing when she designed such an image which ultimately was recognized as flapper fashion. Coco Chanel always propagated simplicity as the main essence of her designs. She propagated loose-fitting clothes and carved a niche for herself in the fashion world.


A slimmer silhouette of the woman was projected during the fashion era of the twenties. Corsets were almost forgotten, and there was a radical change even in the lingerie worn by women. Stockings shaded with a skin tone were worn with knee-length dresses rather than the traditional black stockings. Heels also became popular during the 1920s. This was the time when the hips became slimmer and boyish hairstyles were also in vogue!

The 1920s' clothing also saw a significant change as far as men's clothing was concerned. Tailcoats and long jackets were worn by men whenever they had any formal occasion to attend. Men also wore narrow-fitted pants with such jackets. Tuxedos were also seen as occasional evening wear. Sporty attire was also incorporated in the wardrobes of men in the 1920s. This was also the period that saw the appearance of Oxford bags which simply meant pants with wide legs. Tweed jackets were also a common sight during this period.


The 1920s' clothing also witnessed some changes for children's clothing. A more simplistic appeal was given to the silhouettes and young girls were spotted in cotton dresses and serge skirts. Woolen jerseys played an important part in the cold winters. Long vest and suspenders were also seen on the fashion scenario in the 1920s.


Fashion of the twenties also saw the use of coats for women. These were worn as a kind of wrap-around and were fastened on the side with the help of a buckle. Fashionable shoes and hats were also a part of the fashion of the twenties. Cloche hats became so popular during this period. This was particularly worn by women who sported short hairdos as these hats were fitting and almost over the eyes as well. Footwear was finally recognized as a fashion accessory and gained prominence with the emergence of short dresses. High heels and buckled footwear were considered to be an ultimate fashion statement during fashion of the twenties. Peep toe pumps were also popular.

Thus, we see how fashion of the roaring twenties underwent quite a few changes and brought about liberation for women from the traditional silhouettes. The 1920s' clothing had its own appeal with a touch of elegance and also a sense of individuality.