Fashion History Chapter 5

The Earliest Clothing Made from natural resources as protection from weather Animal skins and hair plants grasses tree bark

Fashions of Early Civilizations Ancient Egypt Made from lightweight linen and cotton which made them suitable for the hot climate MEN Knee-length skirts tied in the front Sleeved shirt-like garment completed their outfits WOMEN Long, straight dresses that tied behind the neck or at the shoulder.

The Evolution of Fashion Many years ago, fashion changed very slowly People often wore the same styles their entire life Sometimes even generation to generation

Fashions of the Twentieth Century

1900-1950 During WWI, more women worked in shops, offices and factories, so more practical clothing developed. Looser garments, such as sweaters and middy blouses with sailor collars, became popular.

1920s Flapper Dresses Straight and short Adorned with fringe or flounces Worn with long string beads

1930s MEN Unchanged in this same period. Both single-and double-breasted suits were popular. WOMEN Became active in sports which encouraged wide trousers and above-the-knee shorts to participate Evening gowns were long and formfitting

1940s Both women and women wore tailored suits with broad, padded shoulders. During WWII, a shortage of fabric occurred because so many textiles were used for military uniforms and equipment.

Football Team

With the fashion industry closed down by the war in Europe, the designers turned to the military for inspiration. The “bomber jacket” was based on the Air Corps flying coat made of leather with knit wrist cuffs to keep out the wind. This woman was married in a suit quickly for her husband to be shipped out.

1940s Women’s skirts became slimmer and shorter due to fabric rationing. Nylon stockings were almost impossible to get, so women wore cotton stockings Slacks and jumpsuits became the standard work clothes for women as they replaced men in factories

Fashion and War Restrictions Stockings were expensive and usually not available!

1947- “The New Look” Softer, more feminine look Stylish, elegant and reflected the opposite of wartime restrictions Hemlines fell to just above the ankle Skirts were incredibly full The shoulder pad was taken out to eliminate the squared, manly look

1950s Dior introduced the A-line silhouette for women Full skirts were worn with crinolines and paired with sweater sets. Pants were rolled up or cropped for casual wear.

1950s Men’s fashions featured the gray flannel business suit--- single-breasted and loosely fitted, with narrow lapels and natural shoulders. Worn with a button-down oxford with a narrow tie (Ivy League look) Dress shirts were now pale blue and yellow not just white anymore.

1950s The T-shirt came out from under the dress shirt influenced by James Dean The former undershirt was now worn on its own with blue jeans Leather jackets were popular Young women wore a man’s shirt over a pair of cuffed jeans with saddle shoes or white bucks.

1960s The influence of fashion designers declined and cultural events such as the Beatles, Woodstock,and rock concerts. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy became an important fashion leader for women, popularizing the Chanel suit and pillbox hat.

1960s Many young men started wearing colorful fabrics and jewelry Men wore multi-colored, striped or check shirts with their business suits Jacket lapels widened and pants were flared or bell-bottomed. Men grew long side-burns, mustaches, or beards to go with longer hair lengths.

1960s Women’s fashion focused on the miniskirt, which kept rising throughout the decade Pantyhose were introduced and boots became the “in” accessory. African Americans rediscovered tradtional African garments made of kent cloth. Afro hair styles and cornrow braids were widely worn by both men and women.

1970s Mid- and maxi-length skirts were introduced. Women wore more and more pant suits- which gained acceptance for all occasions The unisex look was very popular Men and women wore the same styles in the same fabrics and colors.

1970s Men wore the polyester pant suit to work Bright floral shirts were worn without ties The shirt collar rolled over the jacket collar for a casual look Jeans became fashionable T-shirt had slogans printed on the front Hiphugger pants were worn

1980s Broad, padded shoulders Skirt lengths ranged from short to long Designer jeans became a status symbol Warm-up suits were worn for jogging and for street-wear The standard outfit for yougn people consisted for jeans, a shirt or sweater and athletic shoes.

1980s Styles were influenced by Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Prince, and Michael Jackson

1990s Baggy pants to tight leggings; from oversized shirts to skinny tops. No longer did one style dominate. Styles from the past decades re-emerged in the middle 1990s. Consumers were attracted to fitted jackets from the 1950s, sheath dresses from the 1960s and wrap dresses and hiphugger pants from the 1970s.

1990s Casual business attire created a new clothing category for men-- allowing khakis and no ties

Today