How did people dress in the 1930’s? Read about women’s and men’s fashion choice in the 1930’s, and which influencers affected the style in the 1930’s. 

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

1930s women’s fashion became more tailored, in contrast to the linear styles that had defined the clothing of the 1920s fashion. 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

1930s working class womens fashion 

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.

For women, clothing remained simple and practical, with dresses made from cotton or wool that featured modest silhouettes. Skirts were typically knee-length or longer, allowing for ease of movement. Aprons were essential for both domestic work and factory jobs. In a time of economic hardship, women often made their own clothes or altered older garments. Simple, utilitarian footwear like low-heeled shoes or sturdy boots completed the look.

1930s upper class womens fashion

Upper-class fashion in the 1930s was characterized by elegance, sophistication, and a return to more formal styles following the austerity of the Great Depression. Despite economic challenges, the wealthy continued to showcase their affluence through luxurious fabrics, impeccable tailoring, and refined designs.

For women, the 1930s marked the rise of the "golden age" of Hollywood glamour. Dresses were often made of luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and velvet, with a focus on soft, flowing silhouettes that accentuated the natural shape of the body. Bias-cut gowns became iconic, offering a sleek, figure-hugging look. Evening wear featured intricate details such as lace, beading, and embroidery. Fur stoles, pearls, and wide-brimmed hats completed the opulent look.

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 women's 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 with a low block heel or a completely flat heel. 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.

Mens Fashion in the 1930s

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.

1930s working class mens fashion

For working class men, workwear consisted of sturdy trousers, often made from wool or denim, paired with simple shirts or overalls. Suspenders were commonly worn to keep trousers in place. Heavy boots or leather shoes were worn for factory work, farming, or labor-intensive jobs. Flat caps and tweed jackets also made their way into everyday wear, offering a more polished yet practical option.

1930s upper class mens fashion

For the upper class men, suits were more streamlined than the boxier styles of the previous decade. Trousers were slimmer, and jackets were tailored to create a more elegant silhouette. Double-breasted suits, often in dark colors like navy, black, or gray, were popular for formal occasions, while lighter fabrics like linen or cotton were worn for summer. Men accessorized with pocket squares, ties, and hats, such as fedoras and bowler hats, to add refinement to their outfits. 

The Rise of Leisurewear

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