FASHIONS OF THE 1920's and 1930's

DRESSES
The boyish look was popular and waistlines dropped to the hip area during part of the 20's; however, it rose back to the normal waistline position during the 30's. Dresses in the 30's were often cut on the bias.

HATS
Made of wool or different types of straw, a cloche was placed on the head and pulled low over the forehead. This helmet-styled hat created such a harsh look on most women that it went out of style around 1930. By the 30's, hats in a wide variety of styles were in vogue once again. Hats had large brims or short brims, some were tilted at an angle, and the hair could be seen once again. Hats looked much more flattering in this decade.

HAIR
Big hair was out and short, boyish looking hairdos were stylish during the 20's. Many times, the hair had a curl at ear level. By the 30's, the length of the hair was a bit longer, and it had a soft and wavy effect. During these decades, no respectable woman would dare color her hair.

MAKEUP
Pluck those eyebrows and put on some really red lipstick --- the lady of the 20's was ready to step out. Lips painted in the shape of a heart, known as bee-stung lips, were popular in the 20's, but by the depression time of the 30's, lips were painted outward with straight lines. However, eyebrows were still plucked to a fine line and drawn in with a pencil.

HEMLINE
Up and down can best describe the length of the hemlines during this period. Hems stayed at the lower calf level from 1920 but it zoomed up to just below the knee in 1925. By 1929 it fell back to the lower calf level. During the 30's, hemlines were longer than the 20's, and they were often uneven, with the back of the dress or skirt being longer than the front.

SHOES
T-bar type shoes or one with an ankle strap was considered fashionable during the decade of the 20's. There was a wide variety of shoe styles during the 30's. Heels and flats might have round toes, thick heels, different tones, or straps.

MEN'S CLOTHING
A well dressed man during the 20's started to wear suits, often made of flannel, which had small lapels, cuffed pants, and shoes that laced up. However, knickers and canvas shoes were also worn. During the early 30's, shoulder pads were placed in men's suits in order for their shoulders to appear larger. Men also wore hats.

CHILDREN'S CLOTHING
During the 20's, it was a time for babies to get comfortable and all the frilly frocks were replaced with little rompers and shorter dresses. Older girls wore loose outer garments and sweaters.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND PERMISSIONS
Kathleen Songal, owner of Best Vintage Patterns, and the McCall Pattern Company, who also own Simplicity patterns, have graciously given Brazos Valley A's permission to reprint the pattern photos. Best Vintage Patterns can be accessed here.