• Sign up for our weekly vintage fashion newsletter
  • search
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Vintage Dancer

  • Ask the Vintage Dancer!
  • Victorian
    • Women
      • Dresses
      • Skirts
      • Blouses
      • Nightgowns
      • Boots & Shoes
      • Hats
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • More clothing….
    • Men
      • Suits & Coats
      • Boots & Shoes
      • Hats
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Victorian Outfit Guides
      • Easy Victorian Costume Guide
      • Civil War Costume Guide
      • Bustle Dress Costume Guide
      • Men’s Victorian Clothing Guide
    • Victorian Fashion History
    • Steampunk
      • Women
        • Dresses and Costumes
        • Plus Size Clothing
        • Jackets
        • Skirts
        • Boots & Shoes
        • Hats
        • Sewing Patterns
        • More clothing….
      • Men
        • Shirts
        • Vests
        • Pants
        • Jackets
        • Hats
        • Boots and Shoes
        • Goggles, guns
        • More clothing…
      • Steampunk Costume Guides
        • Women’s Steampunk Essentials
        • Men’s Steampunk Essentials
        • More Steampunk Ideas
  • 1910s
    • Women
      • Shoes & Boots
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Gowns
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Blouses
      • Skirts
      • Hats
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
    • Men
      • Suits and Coats
      • Formal Wear
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Hats
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
      • Men’s Sewing Patterns
    • 1900-1910s Outfit Guides
      • DIY 1910-1915 Dresses
      • Tea Dress Guide
      • Mens Formal Suit Guide
      • Men’s 1910s Fashion
    • 1900s-1910s Fashion History
  • 1920s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Daytime Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Hair / Headbands
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Shoes & Boots
      • Hats
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Suits
      • Vests
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1920s Outfit Guides
      • Flapper Costume Guide
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • Casual Women’s Outfits
      • Men’s Outfit Ideas
    • 1920s Fashion History
  • 1930s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Tops
      • Skirts
      • Pants
      • Shoes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1930s Oufit Ideas
      • 1930s Women’s Fashion
      • 1930s Outfit Ideas
      • Men’s Fashion Guide
      • Men’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1930s Men’s Workwear
    • 1930s Fashion History
  • 1940s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Tops
      • Pants
      • Skirts
      • Shoes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Costumes
      • Suits
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • 1940s Outfit Ideas
      • Women’s 1940s Fashion
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1940s Fall Winter Outfits
      • Men’s 1940s Fashion
      • Men’s Outfit Ideas
    • 1940s Fashion History
  • 1950s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • House/Day Dresses
        • Cocktail Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Skirts
      • Pants
      • Tops
      • Shoes
      • Makeup Guide
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits, Coats
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Shirts
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1950s Outfit Ideas
      • Women’s 1950s Fashion
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • Men’s Fashion: Suits
      • Men’s Fashion: Casual
    • 1950s Fashion History
  • 1960s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Pants
      • Skirts
      • Tops
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Jackets, Sweaters
      • Hats
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
    • 1960s Fashion Guides / History
      • 1960s Women’s Fashion
      • 1960s Outfit Ideas (Women)
      • 1960s Mens Outfits
      • 1960s Men’s Fashion, 60s Fashion for Men
  • 1970s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Shirts
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Jumpsuits
      • Workout Clothes
      • Shorts
      • Skirts
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Shirts
      • Jackets & Sweaters
      • Shoes, Boots
      • Costumes
    • 1970s Outfit Ideas
      • Disco Fashion (Women & Men)
      • Women’s Fashion
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1970s Fashion History
  • 1980s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Prom Dresses
      • Jeans/Leggings
      • Tops
      • Jackets
      • Sweatshirts, Sweaters
      • Workout Clothes
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Costumes
    • Men’s Clothing
  • Fashion History
    • Men’s Fashion
    • Victorian Fashion
    • 19100-1910s Fashion
    • 1920s Fashion
    • 1930s Fashion
    • 1940s Fashion
    • 1950s Fashion
    • 1960s Fashion
    • 1970s Fashion
    • Vintage Inspired Fashion
Vintage Dancer | 1920s Fashion | 1920 Fashion Year Clothing for Women and Men

1920 Fashion Year Clothing for Women and Men

1920s Fashion History

7 Jan 2020

The 2020 New Year has spurred an interest in all things 1920s again- #backtothe20s ! While most people celebrated in flapper dresses and gangster suits, I spent some time revisiting actual clothing from the year 1920. For 1921 fashion look here.

I adore the early years of the 1920s because they are not often talked about but are more often flattering on all body shapes, whereas the later years’ straight drop-waist dresses need careful fit and selection to look becoming on curvy figures. For men, the early ’20s more closely resembles today’s modern skinny fit fashions, and therefore are easier to repurpose into slightly more accurate ensembles than the mid-’20s wide leg/boxy silhouette.

1920s fashion year women's clothing at VintageDancer

Winter weight dresses were made of velveteen and wool serge in dark hues. Short sleeves were elbow length, necklines were round or high square. Skirts featured oversized pockets.  Fancy embroidery decorated dresses.

The year 1920 in terms of fashion was a carryover from post WWI simplicity, but before the La Garcone flapper revolution. Dress hemlines hovered around the ankle, the fit was very loose, collars and pockets were oversized, and trim was pretty but made on the cheap with embroidery and ribbon. Colors were muted for the fall and winter, yet perked up a bit in the spring. For men, suit colors were also very drab, yet the new Jazz Age slim look for young men was pushing them into brighter blues and greens with distinct patterns such as plaids and stripes. The new decade was promising a much more cheerful and comfortable way of dressing, one that was being determined by the working classes who moved from the country to the city in search of an easier (and more fashionable) life.

First, let me take a look at women’s 1920 fashion, and then we’ll move onto men’s 1920 clothing (click here to jump).

1920s Dresses and Suits

Dresses- History of 1920s house dress and day dresses and evening gowns. Also women’s suits.

1920s fashion year women dresses
Long sleeve dress for fall had some colorful choices such as a copenhagen blue and a wine red. Navy and black were the mainstays of the year.
1920 year fabrics silk material dress
Fabrics sold by the yard were the least expensive way to make new clothing. Silk dominated this page. Colors were pink, blue nile green, tan, grey and violet.

1920 house dresses fashion
House dress made of cotton plaid, checks or windowpane with white collars and loose belts.
1920 Silk crepe de chine dress and wool serge daywear styles
Silk crepe de chine dress and wool serge daywear styles

1920 simple day dress for wearing at home
1920 simple day dress for wearing at home
1920 fashion party dress for teens and young women. More ruffles, sheer sleeves, minimal trim.
Party dress for teens and young women. More ruffles, sheer sleeves, minimal trim.

1920s Dresses for juniors or teens featured more tiers of ruffles
Some dresses for juniors or teens featured tiers of ruffles
1920 womens suits
New suits featuring a slim, straight line, was the new style of 190.

1920 fashion plus size womens suits
Suits for stout women (plus size) were being made in the new slim lines.
1920 French evening fashions gowns and coats
French evening fashions gowns and coats

1920 evening dress with side drapes
1920 evening dress with side drapes
1920 Grecian style evening gowns
Grecian style evening gowns

1920 Blouses and Sweaters

1920s blouses and sweater history.

1920 fashion blouse for general wear. Some resemble mens dress shirt while others have a large collars.
Blouse for general wear. Some resemble mens dress shirt while others have large collars.
1920 pretty sheer blouses with embroidery. A slip on step in was worn underneath. Read more about 1920s blouses at VintageDancer
Pretty sheer blouses with embroidery and button up front. A slip or step in was worn underneath.

1920 fashion women tops blouses
So many pretty colors, even for the winter.
1920 sheer blouses tops shirts
Sheer blouses with more embroidery and lace trim

1920 women blouse shirt top Round and V necklines without collars for the slip over style of blouse. Read more at VintageDancer
Round and V necklines without collars for the slip over style of blouse.
1920 womens fashion casual, sporty middy blouses and smock tops
Casual, sporty middy blouses and smock tops

1920 winter fashion women long sweaters and cardigans with belts, fold out or shawl collars
Long sweaters and cardigans with belts, fold out or shawl collars
1920 winter fashion women casual sporty cardigan sweaters and knit tam hats
Sporty cardigan sweaters and knit tam hats

1920 winter fashion slightly shorter pullover sweaters with tapered waists and matching scarves
Slightly shorter pullover sweaters with tapered waists and matching scarves
1920 winter sweater scarf hat
More sweaters, scarves and winter hats

1920 Skirts

1920 skirts history

 

1920 basic skirts. Wide waistband, full hip and roomy hemline.
1920 basic skirts. Wide waistband, full hip and roomy hemline.
1920 Plaid and check skirts, full ships, tapered hem
Plaid and check skirts, full ships, tapered hem

1920 Long plaid skirt for this "sport suit."
Long plaid skirt for this “sport suit.”
1920 Suit with skirt and jacket
Suit with skirt and jacket. The skirt is too short for 1920. It was probably hemmed up a few years later when the photo was taken

1920 Coats

1920s ladies’ coats.

1920 Coats with large buttons, narrow belts and oversized cross front collars
Coats with large buttons, narrow belts and oversized cross front collars
1920 Young women's coats
Young women’s coats

1920 Full length and shorter coats
Full length and shorter fur collar coats
1920 Young misses coats include the cape back/swing coat style
Young misses coats include the cape back/swing coat style

1920 Fur stole and muffs
Fur stole and muffs

1920 Shoes & Stockings

1920s women’s shoes/boots and stockings.

1920 women shoes boots were still the main type of footwear for women. Tall, lace up with french heels and pointy toes.
Boots were still the main type of footwear for women. Tall, lace up with french heels and pointy toes.
1920 boots and shoes
1920 boots and shoes

1920s womens shoes - Heels/pumps with multiple straps as well as lace up oxford types were the newer styles of footwear
Heels/pumps with multiple straps as well as lace up oxford types were the newer styles of footwear
1920 mens shoes, low heel
Most shoe/ slippers were worn at home or for formal dinner – dances

1920 Low shoes were often worn with spats or gaiters to protect stockings
Low shoes were often worn with spats or gaiters to protect stockings
1920 cashmere hosiery
Cashmere hosiery- Black was the predominant color for daywear

1920 stockings socks women children hosiery
Hosiery for women and children- not everything was black!

 

1920 Hats

1920s women’s hat styles.

1920 Velvet winter hats
Velvet winter hats
1920 Fur Hats women
Fur Hats

1920 Wide brim hats
Wide brim hats
Hats of unusual shapes
Hats of unusual shapes

Hats for mature women and young girls
Hats for mature women and young ladies
New styles of hats for winter 1920
New styles of hats for winter 1920

1920s Tam hat and scarves
Tam hat and scarves
Turban hats/wraps for fancy evenings

1920 Accessories

Women’s gloves history

1920s handbags

1920s Ladies Jewelry styles

 

1920 Gloves
Gloves
1920 handbags

1920s ladies jewelry
1920s ladies jewelry
1920 Jewelry necklaces
1920 Jewelry necklaces

1920 Lingerie

1920s lingerie and night clothes history

1920 Corsets
Corsets
1920 Corset Covers
Corset Covers

1920 bras
1920 bras
1920 Slips and petticoats
Slips and petticoats

1920 winter unionsuits women underwear
1920 winter unionsuits
1920 pajamas women
1920 pajamas women

1920 Nightgowns
Nightgowns

1920 Men’s Clothing : Suits

Men’s 1920s suit styles

1920 Mens suits winter Eatons
Mens suits
1920 Portly men's suits
Portly men’s suits

1920 Young men's suits
Young men’s suits -traditional colors
1920 Young men's suits, new colors
Young men’s suits, new colors

1920 Double breasted suit
Double breasted suit
1920 men's Fashion Suits
Fashion Suits

1920 Men's sport suits
Men’s sport suits
1920 mens suit fabrics
Men’s suit fabrics

1920 Men’s Coats

1920s men’s coats and jackets history

1920 men's wool coats overcoats winter
Double Breasted Wool Coats
1920 mens overcoats long coats
Overcoats

1920 men's belted coats
Belted coats
1920 mens fur coats
Fur Coats

1920 men's leather jackets for work or leisure
1920 men’s leather jackets for work or leisure

1920 Men’s Shirts and Sweaters

1920s men’s dress shirts and casual shirts

1920s men’s sweaters / jumpers

1920 mens striped shirt and club collars
1920 mens striped shirt and club collars
1920 men's striped dress shirts sold without collars
Striped dress shirts sold without collars

1920 men's shirt collars
1920 men’s detachable shirt cuffs and collars – point, spread, high stand, round club, wingtip and clerical
1920 mens formal tuxedo bib front shirts
Formal bib front shirt and tuxedo trousers

1920 pullover sweaters / jumpers and scarves
Pullover sweaters and scarves
1920 men's cardigan sweaters jumpers
1920 Cardigan sweaters

1920 Men’s Workwear

1920s men’s workwear

1920 men's Workwear vests, jackets, trousers
Workwear vests, jackets, trousers
1920s mens working class coveralls
Coveralls

1920 men's Corderoy work jackets and trousers pants breeches
Corderoy work jackets and trousers
1920 Work Shirts and casual shirts
Work Shirts

1920 men's work boots shoes
Work Boots
1920 Mens work hats and caps casual hats
Mens work hats and caps

1920 Men’s Boots and Shoes

1920s men’s boots and shoes styles

1920 men's shoes dress and work boots
Dress and work boots
1920 men's lace up boots
1920 lace up boots

1920 work boots
1920 work boots
1920 mens workwear shoes, Tall Rubber boots
Tall Rubber boots

Oxford shoes- for dancing!

 

1920 Men’s Hats

1920s men’s hat styles. Also hat etiquette (fascinating!)

1920 Men's western hats, felt hats
Men’s western hats, felt hats
1920 mens fedora hats
Men’s western hats, felt hats

1920 men suits and caps hats

Caps- Colors and patterns were bold, big, and youthful. (His socks are fun too)

1920 Men’s Accessories

1920 men's gloves leather dress gloves
Men’s leather gloves
1920 men's pocket watch
Pocket watches

1920 men's long underwear
Men’s long underwear
1920 mens ties, bow ties, neckties, neckwear
Ties, bow ties

1920 men's jewelry
Jewelry: cufflinks, shirtlinks, watch fob, stick pins, watch chains

And that, folks, is fashion in the year of 1920. Next year, we will dive into fashion in 1921, which for the most part was unchanged.

1921 fashion dresses women

1921 fashion dresses and blouses

debbie
We are Debbie and Oscar, your guides to dressing up like decades past. We are here to help you find clothing online and learn about vintage fashions as worn by everyday people, just like you. Need help with your outfit? Ask us anytime.
« 1920s Nurse Uniform, Maid, Waitress, Servant
1920s Style Dresses in 2020 »
  • Home
  • About The Vintage Dancer
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

Disclosure:

This website is supported by advertising in the form of product links, banners, and sponsored articles. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking a link.  As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Read: Privacy Policy, Disclosure, Terms and Conditions

About Us

  • About VintageDancer.com
  • Newsletter eMail Sign Up
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Google +
  • Twitter
  • Tumbler
  • Blog Lovin
  • RSS Reader

How to Buy:

Click on the picture or title of the product and you will be redirected to the online merchant selling that item. Questions about sizing and shipping are answered on the merchants website.

VintageDancer.com links to clothing for sale online to make finding vintage inspired clothing easier.

Our Story

Dressing in vintage style clothing for a themed event or personal fashion is our passion. We turned a hobby into this website to make it easy to find vintage inspired clothing for women and men online spanning 1900-1960s. Our fashion history blog helps you create the look from decades past using vintage, vintage inspired and thrifty clothing, Need help? Ask us anytime.

Copyright © 2021 ·