1930s Fashion History

In the 1930s there was a return to a more genteel, ladylike appearance. Budding rounded busts and waistline curves were seen and hair became softer and prettier as hair perms improved. Foreheads which had been hidden by cloche hats were revealed and adorned with small plate shaped hats. Clothes were feminine, sweet and tidy by day with a return to real glamour at night. Right - Fashionable sleek day dress of 1936.

Until the 1930s wealthy women had not really needed to wear practical day clothes. Although styles had been designated day styles if they were impractical it had not really mattered as long as maids took care of chores. Now women had more productive and busier lives and simpler pared down clothes gave a freedom of movement women relished in daily life. More luxurious gowns were kept for evening. New fabrics like metallic lame were very popular at night and were made to shimmer even more richly by adding plastic sequins and glass beads.

Fashion of the 1930s was directly influenced by the great Wall Street Crash of October 24, 1929 and subsequent Depression. The Autumn, 1930 Sears Catalogue admonished, “Thrift is the spirit of the day. Reckless spending is a thing of the past.” The beginning of the decade saw women sewing more. Clothing was mended and patched before being replaced.

Fashion from the 1930s ... the 1930's is an interesting period, both stylistically and historically.... of course history, fashion and style are all integrally related. Generally fashions of the 1930s are thought of as glamorous and sensuous. This is the era of the big bands, dancing and night life. The dresses are long and elegant, evening gowns were often backless and importantly there develops a very distinct difference between daywear and evening wear.

Hollywood and the movies also begin to be very influential to the fashion industry as people wanted to wear the styles they had seen on the screen.