Women's Fashion In The 1920

Fashion, the popular trend in styles of clothing, can be observed through out human history. From the fur hides of the Neolithic, to the Victorian dresses of 19th century, and to the “standard” clothing that the society perceives of today, fashion is ubiquitous. Fashion – especially women’s fashion – however, stands beyond its practicality and ornamentation to make and to mark the social, cultural, and psychological atmosphere of the era. In this paper, one seeks to examine the rise of trousers in women’s fashion during the 1920s, as it could be signifying women’s increasing resistance against paternalistic cultures that are deep-rooted in the society. Such hypothesis will be investigated by looking at the initial rise of trousers following World War I, the adoption of trousers in sportswear, and the multiple political messages this item of clothing inherited. …show more content…
Following the end of WWI in 1919, America experienced an age of dramatic social, political, and economical changes. Notably, women experienced an unprecedented upsurge of freedom. In the United States, they were not only guaranteed the right to vote due to the 19th Amendment passed in 1920, they were also becoming active workers in professional fields that were once exclusive to men. Women’s domestic responsibilities were also reduced following the increasing availabilities of birth control and new machines such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners. The fashion of that time epitomizes this female liberation movement. However, other than the obvious rising hemlines and bobbed hair, women’s fashion was also revolutionized through the growing adoption of trousers in different aspects of the