1920s Fashion Changes

Throughout every era, clothing styles are a constant reflection of morals and values during that time. Throughout the changing economic times post world war one, both women and men had extreme fashion changes that became more flamboyant, practical, and eccentric. From hems getting shorter to colors getting more vibrant, style changed drastically due to the heavy impact of the war. Although both men and women experienced drastic fashion changes, women were more affected because they were held to very high societal standards before the beginning of the war.
Before the 1920s, both men and womens’ fashion was dull, conservative, and modest. After the war, many economic changes took place that affected fashion greatly. Before the war, women were
When men were sent to the war, there were shortages of people to operate in the factories, causing a shortage of supplies. To fill these spots, women were brought out of the kitchen to earn money to support their families and the war effort. This was a very controversial issue because most men thought it was unattractive and manly for women to do factory work during the time of the war. Women loved the freedom. They loved feeling like they played a crucial role in the war effort. Doing the work that was primarily reserved for men called for a more practical fashion change. Although heavily discriminated by the homebound men, the once unthinkable look now gave leadway to more freedom for hardworking, industrious women. When men returned home, they hoped to see their women go back to the kitchen, while men would take over the industries once again. However, the women were given a taste of freedom and were not going back to the kitchen easily (Pitogo, Heziel). Women felt they were finally needed and important, why were they not allowed to dress like that? Women felt they had freedom and they felt that they deserved to express themselves, even after the war. Most of this self expression was through drastic fashion changes (“Women’s Work in