How did people dress in the 1920’s? Discover the fashions styles of men and women in the 1920’s and how the historical context influenced the fashions choices. 

A Time of Change and Cultural Liberation

1920s fashion, or the "Roaring Twenties," as it was called, was marked by significant changes in both style and society, and was largely influenced by World War I (1914-1917). It was a time of economic growth and cultural transformation. Women gained the right to vote in several countries, and many of them who had taken jobs in male-dominated fields during the war continued in those jobs, appreciating the financial independence it provided. Society also experienced easy access to entertainment such as jazz music, cinema, and nightclubs as portrayed in the popular book "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald from 1925. The fashion of the time reflected the cultural liberation taking place and showed a more relaxed attitude toward social norms. Women and workers gained more rights, leading to increased leisure time, and a growing interest in sports and leisure activities.The curving lines and natural details of the Art Nouveau style were replaced by the more streamlined and simple lines of the Art Deco style.

A classic 1920s everyday look. Note the dropped waist, shorter hemline and the cloche hat inspired by military helmets. From my historical fashion show in May. Photo: Tami Meijburg 

 

The Bold Aesthetics of the 1920s

Women’s fashion in the 1920s represented a break from the more formal clothing of earlier eras. The flapper style, also known as “La Garçonne,” was particularly popular among younger women. This style was characterized by shorter dresses that ended around the knee and featured a low waistline, known as a "drop waist," that cut across the hips. The straight silhouette moved away from emphasizing traditional feminine curves, which had previously been accentuated by corsets. Short hairstyles like the bob, often styled with finger waves, were in vogue, and women started wearing more noticeable makeup—a stark contrast to earlier times when makeup was expected to be subtle. 

Dresses were often made from lightweight materials like silk, chiffon, and velvet, adorned with details like embroidery, sequins, and beads, especially for evening wear. Cloche hats became popular, directly inspired by the military helmets from World War I. They often had decorative bands or flowers and were worn low on the forehead.

 

1920s working class women's fashion

Fashion for the working class in the 1920s was practical, durable, and influenced by the demands of labor-intensive jobs. Unlike the flamboyant styles of the upper class, working-class attire prioritized functionality over flair while still reflecting subtle shifts in fashion trends of the era. 

Women in the working class wore simple dresses made from durable fabrics like cotton or wool, often with aprons to protect their clothing while working in factories or performing household chores. Hemlines, while shorter than in previous decades, were still practical, reaching mid-calf to allow ease of movement. Knitted cardigans, thick stockings and shawls added warmth during colder months.

1920s upper class women's fashion

For women in the upper classes, the flapper style dominated evening wear, with dresses made from silk, satin, or velvet adorned with sequins, bead and embroidery. These dresses often featured shorter hemlines and dropped waistlines. Daywear included tailored coats, fur stoles, and hats like cloches, adding a polished touch to their ensembles

The Flapper Dress

The flapper dress was a hallmark of the bold, carefree spirit of the 1920s, worn by the most daring young women known as "flappers." These women challenged societal norms with their short hairstyles, visible makeup, and daring clothing choices. The term "flapper" originated from their casual, "slousy" demeanor, including their habit of leaving their galoshes unbuttoned, causing them to "flap" as they walked through the city streets.

Flapper dresses were groundbreaking for their time, with hemlines that often rose as high as the knee—scandalous compared to the restrictive styles of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. These dresses featured loose, straight fits with dropped waistlines, designed for unrestricted movement, particularly for dancing the Charleston. Adorned with pearls, embroidery, and elaborate embellishments, they shimmered under the glow of jazz clubs and speakeasies.

Sleeveless designs further added to their boldness, exposing far more skin than previous decades’ fashion allowed. Flapper dresses became a defining element of the Roaring Twenties, symbolizing liberation, rebellion, and a celebration of modernity.

A beautiful 1920s look with a copper red flapper dress with beaded details, long pearl necklace and a feather headband. From my historical fashion show in May. Photo: Tami Meijburg

 

Shoes of the 1920s

French heels

Women’s 1920s shoes still featured the French heel, which had also been popular in the 1900s and 1910s. They're characterized by their elegant, slender design with a distinctive curve that flares outward slightly at the base. Unlike traditional straight heels, French heels have a gentle arch, giving them a more graceful appearance. They were typically between 1 to 2 inches high, offering a balance of height and comfort.

Mary Janes

Mary Jane shoes, with a single strap across the instep, were very popular, and more attention was given to shoes and stockings now that dresses were shorter. 

In the 1920s, Mary Janes became a fashionable choice for women, especially for dancing, as their secure strap kept the shoe in place during energetic movements like the Charleston. Typically made from leather or satin, they were often designed in black or neutral tones but could also feature embellishments or contrasting trims for added flair.

Bold colors

Shoes of the 1920s continued to reflect the elegance and innovation of the era, with most crafted from materials such as leather or satin. Designers embraced a vibrant palette, offering footwear in an array of colors to complement the bold fashion trends of the decade. Shades like red and cream emerged as particularly popular choices, adding a flair to women's outfits.

Evening shoes were designed to dazzle. Metallic hues like gold and silver became popular, often embellished with intricate details such as beading or embroidery. These sparkling creations were perfect companions to the flapper dresses of the time, capturing the light as women danced to the rhythms of jazz. 

Yvonne is our classic 1920s Mary Jane shoe with a french heel. 

 

1920s Men's Fashion

Streamlined Suits

For men, the 1920s was a time of modernization, though the changes in style were not as dramatic as for women.

Most men wore some kind of a suit daily. Jackets and trousers became narrower, giving suits a more streamlined and elegant silhouette. The three-piece suit, consisting of a vest, trousers, and jacket, was common, and there was a wider use of striped suits. Light colored suits i white or light pink became a popular choice for especially young men of the period. 

Working class mens fashion in the 1920s

For working men, clothing typically consisted of sturdy garments like wool or tweed trousers, paired with plain shirts and vests. Flat caps and suspenders were common accessories, providing both utility and style. Work boots made of heavy leather were a staple, designed to withstand the rigors of factory, construction, or farm work.

Upper class mens fashion in the 1920s

For upper class men, three-piece suits were the hallmark of fashion, often made from fine wool or linen. These suits were impeccably tailored, featuring slim trousers, double-breasted jackets, and waistcoats. Tuxedos and tailcoats were standard for evening events, paired with patent leather shoes and accessories like pocket squares, cufflinks, and fedoras.

Leisurewear

The work week became shorter which gave more leisure time for both upper class and working class, and this resulted in the need for more leisure wear. Clothing also reflected leisure activities, and especially in the upper class specific outfits for driving, golfing, or skiing, became popular. The outfits were more casual, often featuring knickerbockers, knitwear, shirts with scarves, and straw hats or newspaper caps.

The 1920s menswear look with a streamlined silhouette, relaxed newspaper cap and brown lace up leather boots. 

Iconic Footwear Styles

Popular men's 1920s shoes were oxford shoes or two-tone shoes. Oxford shoes were the most popular choice, characterized by their closed lacing system and sleek appearance, making them versatile for both formal and everyday wear. Brogues, with decorative perforations, were another favored style, offering a touch of flair for casual and semi-formal occasions. Two-tone shoes, often in combinations like black and white or brown and tan, emerged as a trend, particularly for social events and dancing.

Leather lace-up boots in either brown or black, with a more rounded toe than previously, were also in style. 

Tom is my 1920s classic leather boot, here shown in brown. Note the rounded toe and stitched details.  

Travel further through time and read our guides on 1930s fashion, or perhaps you are looking for answers as to what type of shoe a Mary Jane shoe is? 

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