They needed to find ways to help support their families. Homemakers stitched garments, patched clothes and made inexpensive macaroni casseroles to fill little tummies. Section 213 of the 1932 Federal Economy Act banned more than one family member from working for the United States government. Women had important roles in the family, while men usually worked. What else did women wear in the 1930s? Again, the wage gap was justified by the stereotype of the male breadwinner needing earnings that would support not just himself, but a traditional familywhether he was married or not. While rebellious women began wearing pants / trousers/ slacks in earlier decades, in the 1930s there were several social situations that were acceptable for women to wear pants in public. Women loved these short jackets so much that they often purchased mens jackets instead of waiting for the fashion industry to catch on. Women in the first decades of the 20th century saw an increased opportunity and public presence, including a strong role in union organizing. Learn more about 1930s makeup. and Another place where women were thriving in the workplace was the growing film industry whose ranks included many powerful female stars. Women's wages were lower than men's and most women worked in domestic service. In 1930 a gallon of gas was 10 cents and by 1939 was 10 cents 10 cents. Learn more about 1930s evening gowns and party dresses and accessories. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. Weekly visits to the salon were in order to set hair in the latest finger waves and tight rolls. When Depression hit, women sought employment out of the house: nurses, school teachers, beauticians, cleaning ladies (maids/cooks), secretaries, and manufacturing occupations (sewing). When flour was delivered in pretty fabric bags, women used these to make new dresses and aprons. For some, it was all about high fashion. All rights reserved. Eyes were still accentuated and lips were strong, but rouge was less featured. 1938 Mrs. Blair Marion (Blouse and Skirt) and Glass Banister. This period saw the birth and rise of ready-to-wear clothes and the production of affordable, man-made fabrics. What problems did people face in the 1930s? Yes and no. Whether youre studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. Shop 1930s style wide leg pants and beach pajamas. For example, they would mend their own clothes rather than buying new ones. During the 30s, outdoor activities and sports became fashionable. (The employment rate of women was 25.4% in the latter 1930s; the unemployment rate of men was 25%.) No man would work as a housekeeper or as a private duty nurse, just as no woman could get a job as a construction worker or airline pilot.. Beautiful Women of the 1930s. 1. Instead of working, most of society believed that a womans place was in the home. 1936 This Dress is a Peach Color, Popular for Eveningwear in the Mid 1930s. Lovely "Lucille" is menaced by a mustachioed villain/voyeur but t. But some women still needed to work, and work they did. Read more about 1930s purses. Women living back then faced a double bind: A womans place was supposed to be in the home, but many women were forced to work when industrial production plummeted and men lost their jobs. Ask us anytime. 1935 Mrs. Arthur Beall's Summer Suit. Enjoy access to millions of presentations, documents, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more ad-free. A Brief Look at the U.S. Department of Labor, US Neutrality Acts of the 1930s and the Lend-Lease Act, The President's Commission on the Status of Women, Biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President, National Council of Negro Women: Unifying for Change, Florence Kelley: Labor and Consumer Advocate, Mary Mcleod Bethune: Educator and Civil Rights Leader, African-American History and Women Timeline (1930-1939), clothing styles and societal attitudes that were less restrictive, key womens rights and labor rights decision, M.Div., Meadville/Lombard Theological School. Additionally, individuality was encouraged. Learn more 1930s Coats and Jackets History. The decade was defined by a global economic and political crisis that culminated in the Second World War. Floral patterns were in, and so was fur. Peach and aqua were new favorite warm season colors not seen in the 20s. Click on the picture or title of the product and you will be redirected to the online merchant selling that item. Women activists agitated for more than the vote, which was finally won in 1920, but also for workplace fairness and safety, minimum wages, and the abolition of child labor. In 1930, about 11 million women were employed; and by 1940, 13 million women were employed. How did real women dress in the 1930s? While wool did a good job of repelling water naturally, raincoats were coated in a type of rubber or made entirely of rubber. Even those onscreen characters who were strong, charismatic career women usually gave it all up for the love, marriage, and the husband that were requisite for a traditional Hollywood happy endingor were punished for not doing so. Conversations about beauty are often conversations about the impacts these changing ideals have on the body images of women and girls. Most clothing shop ads and catalogs featured artistically drawn women who were three times as tall and thin as any real woman could be. Read: Privacy Policy, Disclosure, Terms and Conditions. To dress professionally the 1930s way, you can go with a fussy blouse made of silk or rayon chiffons and have an ornamental tie accompanied by a skirt that showcases your shape. Of the female workforce, one-third of them were married. Ask us anytime for help with your outfit or research. Although their construction was often complex, their streamlined appearance complemented bias-cut clothing. Original caption: This is ideal figure that modern women want., Travel back in time with treasured photos and stories, sent right to your inbox, Zip Service: When the Model Met the Mobot, Serious Drinking: LIFE at a Martini Contest, The Couples Walkathon That Lasted Five Months, Howard University: Every Signal Told Students We Could Be Anything. Levi Strauss & Co. Women clothing softly hugged their bodies but was still long, Sleeveless blouses became quite popular, especially for women casual wear, Tailored suits became popular for businesswomen and featured a long, slim design that softly hugged the body. They had to attempt to make what little income they might have stretch to points that were unheard of. Pants? From the 1930s to the 1950s, advertising's most powerful phrase"doctors recommend"was paired with the world's deadliest consumer product. A tan began to mean that one had time for leisure, not that one had to work in the sun. Pumps were made in patent leather or suede and had square heels, with a variety of decorative details like lacing, removable tongues or bows, and top stitching. That meant you had a range of different colors for suits and also different patterns - checks, Glen plaids, and herringbones were really popular. Richard H. Timberlake. ", Alfred Eisenstaedt The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock. Rhinestones were cheap and sparkly so naturally, they were made into dress clips, pins, earrings, bracelets and evening necklaces. Sunbathing became a trend in the 1920s and continued in the 30s as Coco Chanel and Hollywood stars encouraged the tan look. Elderly ladies were less interested in these manly fashions. Lips were painted with soft pink tones to match the light peachy-blush on the cheeks. The hostile attitude is reflected in a quote by Norman Cousins, Simply fire the women, who shouldnt be working anyway, and hire the men. Learn more about 1930s swimwear history and shop retro vintage inspired 1930s swimsuits. A 1930s woman would not wear her housedress out of the house. johnboles wrote: It isn't a work print or a silent version. At night, women would wash (about once a week) and set their own hair in rag curlers or use a marcel iron to create deep waves. Florence Kelley, active in the first three decades of the century, was a mentor to many of the women who were activists in the 1930s. Cardigan and pullover sweaters were also slim fitting, accentuating the narrow waist and flat hips. Oversized bows, flounces, ruffles, capes, and dickies also added volume to silk, lace, organdy or satin blouses. The 1929 stock market crash and the ensuing Great Depression rocked the lives of women in the 1930s. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/womens-rights-1930s-4141164. Much of the popular slang of the 1930s consists of widely recognizable words that are used today, some in the same way they were used back in the day. Cars in the 1930's became more advanced than their 1920's counterparts. Beach pajamas were also house pajamas along with silky nightgowns, robes and slippers. This was due to the fact that most companies believed that male workers were more valuable. Nowhere is monetary ignorance more apparent than in an analysis of these decades. 1930s style clothing for women. This design was introduced by Vionnet. As the decade progressed and the worst of the Depression passed, matching belt, glove, and bags sets (as well as belts dyed to match a dress exactly) became popular. P: 312-738-0400 | E: general@womanmade.org. It was the fourth decade in the twentieth century history of the United States, the country's darkest hour, yet quite possibly one of the most social decades of all. Woman on the Left Wears a Striped Ringer T-Shirt with Wide Leg Pants. In the late 1930s, this simplicity would emerge as a distinctively American style. Everyday clothes became simpler and more versatile. They were allowed to work, but there was a negative stereotype that held women back. However, the 1930s was the opposite as women wore sophisticated dresses that showcased their curves. Use the site search box to find other clothing, accessories and history topics. This Fleischer Studios sing-along cartoon contains a surprising amount of immodest imagery. What Women Wore | 1930's Fashion - YouTube 1930 fashion reflected a new sense of femininity. Pictures of women from the 1930s often show them dressed up despite the fact that they were homemakers. However, even though people were broke, their fashion taste tells a different story. 1930 Early 30s Separates. You will also be able to create a 1930s wardrobe from vintage or new inspired clothes we found online (follow the links) or start here. Calf length culottes pants were even wider legged. But the outbreak of war with Japan only led their sale to . In 1930 the average cost of new car was $640.00 and by 1939 was $700.00. Sign up for our weekly vintage fashion newsletter, 1940s Mrs., Mature, Elderly Clothing and Fashion History, 1920s Mens Casual Clothing & Fashion Trends , 1930s Vintage Dresses, Clothing & Patterns Links, 1930s Reproduction Brands, Clothing, Shoes Links, Vintage Evening Dress Accessories | 1920s,1930s,1940s,1950s, 1930s Outfit Inspiration & Womens Clothing Ideas, Privacy Policy, Disclosure, Terms and Conditions. 1930s fashion gave them all of these once again. Learn more about womens 1930s shorts, rompers, playsuits and summer clothes. 1936 Actresses Carol Hughes, Marie Wilson and June Travis wearing culottes and suspender slacks. Dresses|Shoes|Pants|Tops | Skirts |Coats | Hats | Gloves. The long loose jacket is what made these outfits easygoing and comfortable on all body types. We have to step up as women and take the lead.'. Women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers during the depression era. Lighter spring colors could be lavender, rose, grey, and green. Seventy-five percent of professional women were either nurses or schoolteachers, which remain traditional roles for women. Dresses emphasized women curves whereby they had cinched waistlines and skirts hugged the hip area in a tight manner, and the hems were extended using flared pleats. The 30s saw radical technological advancements and changes in clothing designs that leaned more to a professional look. The three piece suit with skirt, blouse, and light jacket was very popular in the 1930s. . Cities became crowded with people searching for work after farms began to wither . This website is supported by advertising in the form of product links, banners, and sponsored articles. Due to the 1929 stock market crash, and many other attributing factors, the United States entered into the Great Depression within the year 1929. Shapewear in the form of corsets, all-in-ones, and girdles helped form the ideal linear silhouette while a silky slip smoothed out dress lines. Many, such as the green coat below, had large detachable fur collars. Despite the toll taken by the Great Depression, the spirit of the times fused the tension of the era with social realism. For more insights about this decade, review a selection of quotes about the 1930s. It was during this era that women were put into the gender role of cooking, cleaning and taking care of children. Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. Presto! For bad hair days, wearing a pretty scarf tied over the head and under the chin like a kerchief was a charming way to keep fashionable. The fit would be a little looser, sleeves longer or fuller, and necklines higher, but otherwise the gowns were the same. Silky, clinging fabrics were common in 1930s evening gowns, often worn with a fur wrap or coat. Lady Levi's Vintage Jeans Ad - 1930s. Domesticity, motherhood, and homemaking once again became regarded as the only truly proper and fulfilling roles for women. Because the average woman did not necessarily have this slim figure with a narrow waist, a trend of puffed or padded sleeves came into fashion. The ideal body type has long been a topic of fascination. Click on the picture or title of the product and you will be redirected to the online merchant selling that item. See pictures of average to plus size and young to mature women here. In the United States, the Dust Bowl led to the nickname the "Dirty Thirties".. They look a bit like blazers made of wool or velvet with a single or double-breasted front. While Eleanor Roosevelt did provide stalwart support with regard to FDR's physical limitations (he suffered lingering effects of his bout with polio), she was also a very visible and vocal part of her husband's administration.