Fashion: That's so 1930's!
fashion trends for all genders and ages
1930's fashion
Less and less people were sewing in the 1930s. This was the beginning of the ready-to-wear fashion age. However, times were hard and things were scarce during this decade as well.
Since the United states were still recovering from the 1929 Great Depression and stock market crash, companies started researching and carrying out cheaper means of clothing manufacturing. New materials that were cheaper to process had been created during this decade to replace more expensive materials. For example, rayon , which was used for women’s hose, had been replaced by nylon. Likewise, many of the dresses that used to be made out of silk were made out of different grades of rayon.
Since the United states were still recovering from the 1929 Great Depression and stock market crash, companies started researching and carrying out cheaper means of clothing manufacturing. New materials that were cheaper to process had been created during this decade to replace more expensive materials. For example, rayon , which was used for women’s hose, had been replaced by nylon. Likewise, many of the dresses that used to be made out of silk were made out of different grades of rayon.
(Baughman et al. 4)
Women's fashion
The very loose, square, drop-waist, high knee-length hem, and slightly “boyish” look of 1920's fashion for women was completely gone by 1933, and was replaced with a much more modest and form fitted style with an accentuated natural “high waist”, fitted hips, longer mid-calf or floor length hemline, high neckline, and wide shoulders. Despite the Great Depression, most clothes were made affordable, while still being extremely fashionable. Shoes such as pumps with square heels in patent leather or suede with a variety of decorative details like lacing, removable tongues or bows, and top stitching, T-straps, ankle straps, low heel flats and sandals were a must for ladies. Diamonds of all colors were worn with outfits, mostly in dangly necklaces and earrings.
(Vintage Dancer et al. N.p.)
Passion for fashion
The designer most famous in the 1920's and 1930's was Gabrielle Chanel. More formally known as "Coco". Coco Chanel was a French designer, she started her career by making hats in Paris and graduated to dresses in 1914. She appreciated simplicity, comfort, and elegance in woman's clothing. Her new outfit style became commonly known as the " Chanel look". Women everywhere switched from uncomfortable, corseted clothing, to slightly loose fitting, comfortable clothing. (Baughman et al. 167)
Men's wear
In the era, most men usually wore high waisted pants, with cuffs on the bottom, and a pressed pleat to complete the look. Polo shirts were a new trend, while sweaters were enjoyed by the lower class, it gave a more refined fashion element. Ivy and Newsboys cap were popular among males, along with the widely known fedora. 1930’s mens shoes continued in the tradition of the 1920’s with classic toe cap oxford, two toned oxfords, and wingtips with brogue detail ( the little holes punched in the leather).
Children's Clothing in the 1930's
Girls were decked out in clothes that resembled Shirley Temple, along with high socks or stockings, Mary Jane shoes, and above-the-knee frilly dresses with Peter Pan style collars. Boys, on the other hand, corduroy shorts and cotton shirts with pinstripes or solids with collars were common, along with overalls for playtime.
Simple Inventions
The Zipper: designed by Schiaparelli in 1933. When first invented the zipper wasn't as sophisticated as it is today. In the 30's is was usually placed on collars and the side of skirts. Over time it changed , and eventually it became universal.
Cost of clothes
Men's Shirt $2.50 Ohio 1935
Ladies Winter Coats $16.00 Indiana 1937
Men's Quality Overcoats $15.00 Indiana 1937
Ladies Oxfords Shoes $2.44 Indiana 1937
Men's Slacks $3.98 Indiana 1937
Women's silk hose 49 cents Ohio 1933
Boys overcoat wool 8.69-11.98/each From $ New Jersey
Boys pants and breeches, corderoy From $1.98 New Jersey
Boys school suit, From $7.94 New Jersey
Girls hose (tights), woolen, From $25 cents per pair New Jersey
Men s shirt, Arrow, From $1.45 New Jersey
Men's Sox 10 cents ohio 1933
Ladies Sandals 98 cents Maryland 1939
Men's Lined Gloves 98 cents ohio 1935
(Copyscape, n.d et al.)
Men's Common Outfits
Women's Common Outfits
Children's Common Outfits
1930 Fashion Revue - Color Film