How Did People Dress in the 1920s? Discover the Fashion Styles of Men and Women in the 1920s and How the Historical Context Influenced Their Choices
A Time of Change and Cultural Liberation
The 1920s, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties," was a period marked by dramatic cultural shifts and significant societal change, largely influenced by the aftermath of World War I (1914–1918). Economic growth and cultural liberation were prominent themes of the decade. Women gained the right to vote in numerous countries, entered the workforce in larger numbers, and embraced newfound financial independence. The world also saw a surge in entertainment, with jazz music, cinema, and vibrant nightlife taking centre stage—a phenomenon immortalised in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925). Fashion became a reflection of this liberated spirit, as well as the modern attitudes of the time.
This was the era in which the flowing, ornamental lines of the Art Nouveau style gave way to the sleek, geometric aesthetic of Art Deco, a shift mirrored in clothing designs.
A classic 1920s everyday look featuring a dropped waist, a shorter hemline, and a cloche hat inspired by military helmets. From my historical fashion show in May. Photo: Tami Meijburg
The Bold Aesthetics of the 1920s
Women’s clothing in the 1920s represented a stark departure from the restrictive and ornate styles of previous decades. The flapper look, also known as "La Garçonne," dominated women’s fashion, especially among younger generations. This style featured dresses with a drop waist, straight silhouettes, and hemlines that daringly reached the knee—radical for the time. Corsets were abandoned in favour of more relaxed fits, reflecting women’s desire for freedom in movement, particularly as dance crazes like the Charleston took over social events.
Short hairstyles, like the bob or the Eton crop, became the height of fashion, often styled with finger waves or embellished with headbands. Makeup became bolder too, with dark kohl eyeliner, red lips, and rouged cheeks making a statement that was unthinkable in earlier decades.
Dresses were typically made from lightweight, flowing fabrics such as silk, chiffon, and velvet. Beads, sequins, and embroidery added glamour to eveningwear, while daywear focused on simple and elegant cuts. Cloche hats, inspired by World War I military helmets, became an essential accessory, often adorned with decorative bands or embellishments.
Working-Class Women’s Fashion
For working-class women, practicality remained a priority. Dresses were made from sturdy materials like cotton or wool, with hemlines shorter than earlier decades but still reaching mid-calf for ease of movement. Aprons, knitted cardigans, and thick stockings were staples, while shawls provided warmth during colder months.
Upper-Class Women’s Fashion
Upper-class women embraced flapper fashion, particularly for eveningwear, with luxurious materials such as silk, satin, and velvet taking centre stage. Dresses sparkled with sequins, beads, and embroidery. Daywear, on the other hand, included tailored coats, fur stoles, and cloche hats, embodying sophistication and polish.
The Flapper Dress
The flapper dress became a cultural icon of the 1920s, synonymous with youthful rebellion and the modern spirit. Its straight, loose fit allowed for unrestricted movement, and its shorter hemline—scandalous at the time—set it apart from the restrictive fashion of earlier eras. Often sleeveless or with short sleeves, these dresses showcased intricate beading, fringe, and embroidery, designed to dazzle under the lights of jazz clubs and speakeasies.
A stunning 1920s look featuring a copper-red flapper dress with beaded details, a long pearl necklace, and a feathered headband. From my historical fashion show in May. Photo: Tami Meijburg
Shoes of the 1920s
French Heels
French heels, known for their elegant curve, continued to be popular in the 1920s. These heels flared outward slightly at the base, providing a graceful yet practical height of 1–2 inches. Our Rose boots are one of our most popular style with the classic french heel.
Mary Janes
Mary Jane shoes gained widespread popularity, particularly for dancing. Their single strap across the instep made them secure for energetic movements, while their leather or satin construction and embellishments complemented both casual and formal outfits. You can see all our Mary Jane shoes here, including our Yvonne shoes, a classic 1920s Mary Jane with a french heel.
Bold Colours and Designs
Shoes in the 1920s embraced vibrant colours such as red and cream to match the bold fashions of the decade. Evening shoes often came in metallic shades like gold and silver, with intricate beading or embroidery that reflected the glamour of the era.
Yvonne is our classic 1920s Mary Jane shoe, featuring a French heel and elegant design.
Men’s Fashion in the 1920s
Streamlined Suits
For men, fashion in the 1920s leaned towards a more modern, streamlined look. Suits became narrower, featuring slim trousers and fitted jackets. The three-piece suit, consisting of a jacket, trousers, and a waistcoat, remained a staple. Striped suits and lighter colours like white or pale pink gained popularity, particularly among younger men.
Working-Class Men’s Fashion
Working-class men wore sturdy, practical clothing such as wool or tweed trousers, paired with plain shirts and suspenders. Flat caps and leather work boots were everyday essentials, offering both style and functionality.
Upper-Class Men’s Fashion
For upper-class men, three-piece suits made from high-quality fabrics such as wool or linen defined the look of the era. Tailcoats and tuxedos were reserved for evening events, while accessories like pocket squares, cufflinks, and fedoras added sophistication.
Leisurewear
With shorter workweeks, leisurewear gained prominence. For outdoor activities such as driving, golfing, or skiing, men wore more casual clothing, including knickerbockers, sweaters, and newspaper caps.
A classic 1920s menswear look with a relaxed silhouette, a newspaper cap, and brown lace-up leather boots.
Iconic Men’s Footwear
Oxford and Two-Tone Shoes
Oxford shoes were the most popular footwear for men, with their sleek closed-lacing system making them suitable for both formal and casual occasions. Two-tone shoes in combinations like black and white or brown and tan were also highly fashionable.
Leather Boots
Rounded-toe leather lace-up boots remained in style, offering a practical yet polished look.
Tom is our classic 1920s leather boot, shown here in brown. Note the rounded toe and intricate stitching.
Travel further through time by exploring our guides to 1930s fashion or learning more about timeless footwear styles like the Mary Jane shoe.
Sources
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Shoes: An Illustrated Story by Rebecca Shawcross
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Tidens Mode by Anne-Grete Steckhahn
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Vintage Fashion: Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics by Emma Baxter-Wright, Karen Clarkson, Sarah Kennedy, and Kate Mulvey
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Vintage Shoes by Caroline Cox