Fashion and Gender Identity in the 20th Century

Fashion during the 20th century changed a lot, and gender identity played a big part in those changes. Different decades brought different styles, influenced by social changes, money situations, and important movements for women and LGBTQ+ rights.

1910s - The Suffragette Influence

• Style Change: The suffragette movement encouraged women to wear more practical clothes, moving away from tight corsets to looser styles.
• Key Outfit: The hobble skirt became popular. It was easier to walk in and represented a new kind of femininity.
• Important Fact: By 1910, about 78% of women chose clothing that was better for everyday life.

1920s - The Flapper Era

• Freedom in Fashion: The flapper style emerged, featuring short hair, low waistlines, and knee-length dresses, showing women's new freedoms.
• Cultural Impact: The lively jazz age influenced fashion, with bright colors and bold patterns becoming popular.
• Important Fact: Spending on women’s fashion increased from $150 million in 1920 to over$400 million by 1929.

1930s - The Rise of Hollywood Glamour

• Glamour and Women’s Roles: The movie industry set trends that focused on a very feminine style, highlighting curves and the hourglass figure.
• Key Designers: Designers like Adrian and Valentino became famous for their eye-catching styles.
• Important Fact: Women spent about 10% of their income on fashion during this time.

1940s - Wartime Practicality

• WWII Impact: With fabric being limited, styles became more functional, like the utility dress, which was useful and stylish.
• Changing Roles: As more women joined the workforce, fashion reflected their busy lives as both workers and homemakers.
• Important Fact: By 1945, nearly 36% of women were working, creating a need for adaptable clothing.

1960s - The Sexual Revolution

• Fashion and Feminism: The second wave of feminism pushed for freedom in social and fashion choices.
• Influence of Subcultures: The Mod and Hippie movements inspired styles that mixed gender, leading to unisex fashion.
• Important Fact: By the end of the decade, about 50% of women preferred wearing pants instead of dresses, showing a big change.

1970s - Breaking Barriers

• Androgyny Movement: This time accepted mixing gender styles. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent created women’s tuxedos, blending styles even more.
• Cultural Reflection: Fashion became a way for LGBTQ+ communities to express themselves, with disco styles becoming popular.
• Important Fact: By the late 1970s, around 60% of fashion ads featured androgynous styles.

1980s and Beyond - Power Dressing

• Corporate Changes: With more women in high jobs, the idea of "power dressing" emerged, featuring bold shoulder pads and fitted suits.
• Diversity in Fashion: Different cultural influences changed mainstream fashion, making it more inclusive.
• Important Fact: The market for women’s work attire grew by 300% from the early 1980s to the early 1990s.

In summary, the 20th century saw a close connection between gender identity and fashion. Each decade illustrated larger changes in society. Styles not only reflected shifting gender norms but also played a role in discussions about identity, power, and self-expression.