1930s fashion: history, icons and trends

During the 1930s, several important events occurred, such as the major economic crises or the interwar period, which had a great impact on the fashion trends that triumphed during this period.

On the other hand, Hollywood women became great influences on the world of fashion, both on and off screen. Actresses and artists popularized fox fur, sheer clothing, low-cut necklines and feathers, among other feminine garments.

History of fashion in the 30s

The 1930s were marked by a global economic crisis , caused by the fall of the New York Stock Exchange at the end of the 1920s ( the crash of 1929 ) and which went on to influence all areas of life, including the world of fashion.

Neutral colours became popular and cheaper clothes were made thanks to the use of synthetic fibres . Artificial silk and nylon, much more affordable materials, allowed fashion to reach all spheres of society.

Likewise, women's trousers began to be used for the first time and garment repair began to be a necessity of the moment, so homemade garments became very popular.

However, it was women in the film industry such as Mae West and Greta Garbo who established the style that was so popular in the 1930s. Although the lives their characters led did not correspond to reality, they became great role models.

Icons that set trends

Fashion designers such as Travis Banton , creator of Marlene Dietrich 's image , and Mainbocher , designer of Wallis Simpson's wedding dress for her wedding to Edward VIII, Prince of Wales, were present at the social events of the time, becoming icons of haute couture and 1930s fashion.

On the other hand, Madeleine Vionnet introduced bias cutting in dresses in this decade, a technique that consisted of using the fabric diagonally to avoid seams.

Lucien Lelong was another designer who caused a sensation with his flared skirts with a cinched waist . This type of garment is considered an extravagant and frivolous design that required a lot of investment in fabric, an economic luxury that few could afford in the 1930s. However, his designs preceded Dior's post-World War II "New Look" that was so successful.

Features of 1930s fashion

Women's pants

The origin of women's trousers arises from the change in roles that women must assume after the start of the First World War , when they must move to factories to work while their husbands are at war.

In the 1930s, the first trousers designed exclusively for women became fashionable, since until then they used their husbands' trousers.

The success of the skirt-pants

Elsa Schiaparelli introduced this garment into women's clothing and achieved success with the design of the skirt-pants she created for the tennis player Lilí Álvarez for the Roland Garros in Paris in 1931. A design that was very controversial at the time.

Dresses from the 30s

Designers of the time abandoned volume and created straighter, body-hugging evening dresses, known as “skeleton dresses” . Luxurious embroidery was abandoned and cheaper fabrics such as satin were used . On the other hand, the most successful daytime or casual dresses were those made of knitwear.

Necklines and backs exposed

Sensuality was marked by plunging necklines on dresses and blouses with completely bare backs . Sandals were also thin and allowed a woman's toes to be seen, which was also considered very sensual.

Hats and haircuts

Large, extravagant , shoe-shaped hats inspired by surrealist movements such as those conveyed by Dali were very popular. On the other hand, a longer haircut style was in fashion than in the 1920s.

1930s fashion for men

Men in the late 1920s were very interested in dressing well, a trend that continued into the 1930s despite the economic situation. However, the suits of this period are characterized by being much more sober.

The athletic silhouette inspired by high-ranking military men was the most sought-after style by men of that time. Shoulder pads and fitted trousers began to be used in men's suits to convey that athletic masculine bearing. Lapels with wide tips appeared and pockets were square and large.

Anything that helped add volume to the upper part of the male body became a well-accepted fashion for men in the 1930s.