1910s Fashion — Trends and Styles That Defined a Decade

The 1910s fashion was a period of transition, innovation, and transformation. The decade witnessed the end of the Edwardian era and the rise of the Art Deco movement. The fashion industry underwent significant changes, reflecting the social, political, and economic changes of the time.

Influences on 1910s fashion were diverse and varied. The decade was marked by World War I, which had a profound impact on fashion, especially in Europe. The war led to the rationing of materials, which forced designers to be creative and resourceful.

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Learn in This Article

• The 1910s was a decade of transition, innovation, and transformation in the fashion industry.
• World War I, the suffragette movement, and the rise of the sportsman heavily influenced fashion trends.
• The decade saw the emergence of new fashion innovations and designers, such as Paul Poiret, Madeleine Vionnet, and Jeanne Lanvin.

Influences on 1910s Fashion

The fashion of the 1910s was influenced by a number of factors, including World War I and various art movements.

World War I Impact

The onset of World War I had a significant impact on fashion. The war caused a shortage of materials, which led to changes in clothing design and production.

Women’s clothing became simpler and more practical. The hemlines were shorter with fewer embellishments, as the need for practicality and functionality became more pressing.

The war also led to an increase in women’s employment outside the home, which had an impact on the types of clothes that were worn.

Art Movements

The 1910s saw the emergence of several art movements that had an impact on fashion.

• The Art Nouveau movement — It emphasized flowing lines and organic forms, influenced the design of women’s clothing. The dresses featured soft, flowing lines and floral motifs.
• The Art Deco movement — It accentuated geometric shapes and bold colors, had an impact on jewelry and accessories, with items featuring bold, angular lines.
• The influence of Orientalism — This movement emphasized exoticism and the use of Eastern motifs. This influence can be seen in the popularity of items such as kimono-style jackets and Chinese-inspired embroidery.

Overall, the fashion of the 1910s was influenced by a range of factors — from practical concerns such as the shortage of materials caused by World War I to the impact of various art movements. These influences helped to shape the distinctive style of the era, which remains an important part of fashion history to this day.

Women’s Fashion Trends

Silhouettes and Styles

Women’s fashion in the 1910s was a transition from the restrictive Edwardian era to a more relaxed and comfortable style. The hourglass silhouette of the previous decade gave way to a more columnar shape, with a high waistline and a narrow skirt.

The hobble skirt, which was narrow at the ankle, was also popular during this time. Women’s clothing was often adorned with lace, embroidery, and tucks to add interest and texture.

Daywear and Evening Attire

During the day, women wore tailored suits or shirtwaist dresses paired with a jacket. Skirts were typically ankle-length and often had a slight train in the back.

In the evening, women wore more elaborate gowns made of silk, satin, or velvet. These gowns often featured beading, embroidery, or lace. The neckline of evening gowns was typically lower than that of day dresses, and the sleeves were often shorter or nonexistent.

Hats and Accessories

Hats were an essential accessory for women in the 1910s. They were often large and elaborate, with wide brims and high crowns. The most popular style included the Gainsborough hat.

Gloves were also an important accessory, and women wore them with both day and evening attire. Long gloves were popular for evening wear, while shorter gloves were worn during the day.

Men’s Fashion Trends

Suits and Formalwear

In the 1910s, suits for men were the norm for formal occasions. They were typically made of wool and featured a three-piece design with a jacket, vest, and trousers. The jackets had a tailored fit with a notched lapel and two or three buttons. The trousers were high-waisted and often had cuffs at the bottom. The vest was worn underneath the jacket and could be either single or double-breasted.

Accessories were an essential part of men’s formalwear. The most common accessories included a tie, cufflinks, and a pocket square. Ties were typically made of silk or wool and came in a variety of colors and patterns.

Cufflinks were used to fasten the cuffs of the shirt and were often made of gold or silver. A pocket square was a small piece of cloth that was folded and placed in the breast pocket of the jacket. It was usually made of silk or linen and added a touch of color to the outfit.

Casual Attire and Sportswear

For casual wear and sporting events, men’s fashion in the 1910s was more relaxed. Sweaters and cardigans were popular, and they were often paired with trousers or knickers. Knickers were short trousers that ended just below the knee and were typically worn with knee-high socks. They were commonly worn for golf and other outdoor activities.

For footwear, men wore leather shoes or boots. The shoes were typically black or brown and had a low heel. Boots were worn for outdoor activities and were often made of leather or canvas.

In conclusion, men’s fashion in the 1910s was characterized by a tailored and formal look for formal occasions and a more relaxed and comfortable style for casual wear and sporting events. The use of accessories was an essential part of the formalwear, while comfort and functionality were prioritized in casual attire and sportswear.

Fashion Innovations and Designers

Technological Advancements

The 1910s saw significant technological advancements that impacted fashion design. The introduction of the electric sewing machine, for instance, revolutionized the textile industry and allowed designers to create intricate and complex designs with ease. The development of synthetic dyes also allowed for more vibrant and consistent colors in clothing.

Notable Designers of the 1910s

Several designers emerged during the 1910s who had a significant impact on fashion. One such designer was Paul Poiret, who is credited with freeing women from the restrictive corseted dresses of the previous decade. Poiret’s designs were characterized by their loose, flowing lines and bold colors.

Another notable designer of the 1910s was Jeanne Lanvin, who founded the Lanvin fashion house in 1889. Lanvin’s designs were known for their intricate embroidery and delicate beading, and she was particularly renowned for her children’s clothing.

Finally, Madeleine Vionnet was another influential designer of the 1910s. Vionnet was known for her innovative use of bias cuts, which allowed for a more fluid and natural drape in clothing. She also pioneered the use of the halter neckline, which remains a popular style today.

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