The 1930s fashion has it all: From divine Hollywood heels to practical Oxfords and emerging of leisure wear. Let's dive into the most glamorous decade of the 1900s. 

 

Practicality and Glamour Amid the Great Depression

Fashion in the 1930s was strongly influenced by the economic and social conditions of the time, particularly the Great Depression, which began with the Wall Street crash in 1929. The era was marked by a certain restraint and a need for practical clothing, but there was also a desire for glamour, where one could escape into Hollywood’s elegant gowns.

A classic, elegant, yet practical everyday 1930s look with a warming woolen skirt and a pair of sturdy Oxfords, my Juliette shoes. 

Tailored Elegance, Frugality, and the Rise of the Lounging Pajama

Women’s fashion in the 1930s became more tailored, in contrast to the linear styles that had defined the clothing of the 1920s. Fabric began to be cut on the bias, adding elasticity and allowing dresses to cling closely to the body. Many dresses featured deep backlines, and the waistline returned to its traditional position. Sleeves were often voluminous, with puffed or bell sleeves, adding dramatic flair to dresses and blouses.

Dress lengths grew longer, with everyday dresses typically reaching mid-calf, while evening gowns were floor-length, a sharp contrast to the shorter evening dresses of the 1920s. The Bauhaus style influenced both architecture and fashion, with art deco details also making their mark. Visible seams created symmetrical lines and geometric shapes, while dresses were often made from small floral fabrics.

A floor length 1930s dress with a bias cut giving the figure hugging silhouette, by the danish designer Holger Blom. From my historical fashion show in May. Photo: Tami Meijburg

Due to the economic challenges after the Wall Street crash, fashion was also characterized by frugality. Many people couldn’t afford luxurious clothing, so reusing materials and homemade dresses became common. Fashion houses had to adapt, designing clothes that could be mixed and matched to offer more options with fewer pieces. Fashion also became more mass-produced, making it accessible to a broader range of social classes.

The 1930s also marked the first time women wore floor-length trousers, though only for leisure, such as at the beach or for parties—a style known as the "lounging pajama." These trousers were so wide that they could easily resemble skirts. 

1930s shoes: Hollywood Glamour Meets Practicality with Classic Heels and the Rise of Platform Shoes

1930s shoes, like fashion, was full of contrasts. On one hand, it was inspired by Hollywood, with an emphasis on elegance and glamour. The T-strap and Mary Jane shoes remained popular, but the French heel was replaced by the Spanish heel, often referred to as the classic Hollywood heel. On the other hand, there was also a need for shoes that were practical, durable, and versatile, making the classic Oxford shoe a fitting choice. Platform shoes and sandals also made their debut, becoming popular in materials such as wood and cork.

Our Helen sandal is a typical 1930s evening sandal, with cutouts and a T-strap. Note the spanish heel.

 

Classic Elegance and the Rise of Leisurewear in 1930s Men's Fashion

Men’s fashion in the 1930s was classic and elegant, with a strong focus on tailoring and sharp cuts. Double-breasted suits with wide lapels and a fitted waist were popular, and shoulder pads were used to give jackets a more structured shape. Trousers were wide at the hips and sat high on the waist, often featuring pleats and cuffs at the bottom. Hats, such as fedoras and trilbys, were classic accessories and an essential part of men’s fashion in the 1930s. Both men and women rarely went outdoors without a hat.

Leisurewear, which had started gaining popularity in the 1920s, became even more prominent, with items like sweaters, polo shirts, and sports jackets becoming part of the fashion scene. Two-tone spectator shoes remained popular, often in bold color combinations like black and white or brown and white, along with Oxford shoes.

An example of leisure wear for women: A 1930s gymnastic jumpsuit from the local sports team AGF in Aarhus, Denmark. From my historical fashion show in May. Photo: Tami Meijburg

 

Sources: 

• Shoes - An Illustrated Story by Rebecca Shawcross
• Tidens Mode by Anne-Grete Steckhahn
• Vintage Fashion - Collecting and wearing designer classics by Emma Baxter-Wright, Karen Clarkson, Sarah Kennedy, and Kate Mulvey
• Vintage shoes - Caroline Cox