So, I decided to really dig into what was going on with pants back in the 1920s. You know, you see all these images, and you get certain ideas, but the reality? It’s always a bit more nuanced, isn’t it?
My Starting Point: Women and Trousers
First off, I tackled the women’s side of things. My initial thought was, “Ah, the Roaring Twenties, women liberating themselves, they must have all started wearing pants!” Well, hold your horses. It wasn’t quite the trouser revolution for everyone just yet. I spent a good while sifting through old catalogues and fashion plates, and here’s what I kept seeing:
- Beach Pajamas: These were a big deal! Wide-legged, flowy, often made of silk or cotton. Super chic for lounging by the sea or at resorts. But, and this is a big but, it was resort wear. Not for your average Tuesday at the office, if you know what I mean.
- Avant-Garde Circles: Some daring women, often artists, writers, or those in more bohemian circles, definitely embraced trousers. Think Marlene Dietrich, though she became more iconic for it a bit later, the seeds were sown. It was a statement.
- Sportswear: For certain sports, like riding or sometimes hiking, practical trousers or breeches were becoming more acceptable. But again, specific contexts.
So, for most women, day-to-day life still meant dresses and skirts. The idea of pants as everyday wear was still pretty radical for the general female population. It was a slow creep, not an overnight switch.
Then I Looked at Men’s Trousers
Now, the fellas. This is where things got interesting in a different way. I started noticing some distinct trends when I was looking at photographs of chaps from that era.
The Oxford Bags Phenomenon: Man, oh man. These were something else. I’m talking seriously wide-legged trousers. We’re talking 20 inches or more at the hem! Apparently, it started with Oxford University students wearing them over their knickerbockers. Quite the fashion statement. They looked almost like skirts from a distance in some photos. I actually tried to find a modern equivalent just to see how it would feel – pretty breezy, I’d imagine!
Higher Waists & Suspenders: One thing that really stood out was the waistline. Much higher than what we’re used to today. And because of that, suspenders (or braces, as some call ’em) were super common. Belts were around, but suspenders really helped with the drape of those higher-waisted, sometimes voluminous, trousers.
Pleats and Cuffs: I started noticing more and more trousers with pleats at the front. This added to the fullness and comfort. Cuffs at the bottom of the trousers were also pretty standard. It gave them a nice, finished look and a bit of weight.
Knickerbockers and Plus Fours: Couldn’t forget these! For sports like golf, or just for country wear, these baggy trousers that cinched below the knee were everywhere. “Plus fours” were even baggier, hanging four inches below the knee. I even found some old knitting patterns for them; quite intricate!
What I Reckon Now
After all that digging, it’s clear the 1920s wasn’t a simple “everyone wore X” kind of decade for pants. For women, it was the very beginning of a big shift, driven by leisure and a few bold pioneers. For men, it was a time of some pretty flamboyant styles like the Oxford bags, existing alongside more traditional cuts. It was fascinating to see how practical needs (like sports) and pure fashion statements pushed things along. Made me realize how much context matters when you’re looking at old clothes. It’s not just what they wore, but why and where.
