Fashion History
Simple Fashion of the 1920s
The more equal role of women in society and their increasingly active part in the employment market were reflected in fashion, which was plain and practical. The new fashion favoured light fabrics, generous cuts and simple designs. Skirts got shorter, reaching the knee by the middle of the decade. The silhouette was slim and straight, with a low waistline at the level of the hips. Even lingerie, such as the popular combinations, was designed not to highlight the feminine form. The shortening skirts drew focus to the legs, which were concealed by skin coloured artificial silk stockings. The style was complemented with delicate bar- or T-strap shoes, a strapless clutch bag carried under the arm, and a cloche hat pulled tight on the head.
Elegant Fashion of the 1930s
In the 1930s, fashion softened slightly and became more feminine. The silhouette was still slim, but the waist was raised back to its natural height, and bust and hips were allowed to be naturally curvy. The hem extended to mid-calf during the day and ankles during the evening. The dress hugged the body on the hips, broadening only at hem, and was cut diagonally from fabric, which achieved the best hang. The desired slim figure was achieved with the aid of an elasticised corset. The dresses were made interesting by a wealth of details, such as decorative buttons, wide belts, large bows and collars. Millinery fashion was varied and the designs were attractive, whilst at the same time, the selection of shoes became more diverse. Different colours of leather were skilfully combined in shoes.
Practical Fashion of the 1940s
General fashion of the early 1940s favoured a slightly angular and harder look. The silhouette was slim and the waist narrow, but the shoulder line was wide and highlighted. Slack knee-length skirts were cut half-circle, or the material was gathered in by folds or pleats. The war resulted in material shortages and enforced rationing of fabrics, and improvisation had to be used to achieve style. Among fashion items dictated by necessity were paper fabric shoes with wooden soles and braided birch bark handbags. Cellulose was used to manufacture artificial fibres, wood fibre fabric and rayon silk for clothing but, being of poor quality, they became known as replacement fabrics. The shortage of textiles and footwear continued until the 1950s.
Feminine Fashion of the 1950s
After the severity of the wartime, traditional gender roles were temptingly familiar and safe. The 1950s fashion was essentially feminine. Calf-length skirts were narrow pencil skirts or full circular skirts, the waist was notably narrow, the front snug and the bust assertive. The hourglass figure was achieved with corsets and padded brassieres. The hem of the skirts was raised using a pleated nylon petticoat. The synthetic fibre, nylon, was well suited for underwear and stockings. Accessories were small and delicate. Shoe styles moved towards a more pointed toe and slimmer heel, which culminated at the end of the decade with the notorious stiletto.
Stylish Men’s Fashion of the 1950s
The change in men's fashion appeared slower. The military style of the 1940s was abandoned. Suits became more casual and the brown colour increased in popularity at the expense of grey. Suits were worn at work and outside the home; they were light-weight and of light colour in summer and dark colour and warm in winter. The popularity of suits comprising different colour trousers and jacket as everyday wear also grew. Leisure time included knitwear, work and sports shirts, and in summer, short sleeved polo shirts, which were worn without a tie, but definitely only during holidays. Everyday shoes were supportive and thick-soled. The most important accessory was the hat, which was generally made of felt. Different kinds of twine were used in summer hats and fur in winter caps.
Girly fashion of the 1960s
Fashion in the 1960s was a lot more youthful than in the previous decade. Feminine elegance was replaced by youthful, gamine look. During the mid-1960s the silhouette was short, either straight and slightly close-fitting or gently flared. The startling effect of short skirts was often balanced by tights or knee-high socks, which were worn by girls of all ages. Boots, both ankle-high and knee-high, came into vogue and trouser suits were gradually being accepted as street wear. Bright colours and metallic fabrics in gold and silver were popular alongside white, beige and black. During the decade shoes acquired a more rounded toe and lower heel.
Youthful Men’s Fashion of the 1960s
During the 1960s, men’s fashions were characterised by youthfulness and breaking away from strict formality. Colour combinations were freer and more versatile. Suits were slim with a natural shoulder line. Trouser legs and jacket lapels were relatively narrow. Jackets could have a stand-up collar or no collar at all. Synthetic fabrics became more popular, and terylene suits were found in every man’s closet alongside nylon shirts. New colours and softer leathers were introduced and suede and leather clothes gained popularity. The favourite headgear of the decade was a cap with a peak, which young men would wear with a turtle neck jumper and a corduroy jacket. Shoes were streamlined with thin soles.
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