Scarves
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| 1920s Winter Scarf |
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| 1920s Belted Knitted Scarf |
As the weather turned colder, women could seek
to warm up their typical everyday outfit with the inclusion of a scarf, which
in the 1920s became both practical and fashionable. Triangular knitted scarves,
made of soft fabrics such as cotton or Alpaca wool were popular, and chunkier knitted
scarves could also be worn. As the decade wore on patterned silk scarves gained
in popularity, regardless of the season. These patterns followed the trends of
the 1920s, such as floral, abstract, Asian and Art Deco prints and tended to be
hand painted.
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| 1920s Silk Scarves |
Scarves tended to be worn in several ways:
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Wrapped around the neck
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With one side slung over a shoulder
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Hanging down straight, in which case they were
often secured with a belt
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Tied into a bow
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| 1920s Wrapped Scarf |
Coats and Jackets
1920s Coats
However, scarves alone were not enough to keep warm and coats were an
essential part of any wardrobe. In summer, coats or jackets were made of
lighter variations of materials such as tweed and wool. Initially summer coats
were worn open, but loosely belted at the waist belted at the waist, displaying
the outfit beneath. This was later replaced by the cocoon wrap style of coat,
which is defined by its loose fit and voluminous sleeves, and tended to be
fastened to one side. Both styles helped to emphasise the dropped waist fashion
of the day and help accentuate the boyish silhouette that was the fashion.
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| 1920s Coats |
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| 1920s Coat |
Popular colours tended to be dark, or at least not eye catching, such as
black, brown, and tan as well as darker greens, blues and reds. The main body of the coat was made from
fabrics such as wool suede velour, deep pile velvet, wool broadcloth, and
velour coating, with lining made from softer materials such as crepe de chine,
satin de chine, or other silks.
The main decoration came at the collar and cuffs, which were finished in
fur (or faux fur depending on your budget). If even faux fur was beyond your
budget, collars and cuffs were turned back to display the lining to give a
colourful contrast.
Embroidery was
also used as decoration, perhaps on the back of the coat, or on side panels
that ran down the legs, although it was generally subtle and intended to not
distract from the fur cuffs and collar. The side panels could be enlivened in
other ways, such as by the use of pleating, which had the added benefit of
aiding mobility.
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| 1920s Coats, with side pleats |
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| 1920s Fur Coat |
The 1920s saw
the rise of fur coats, with furs such as mink, possum, racoon, seal, and sable
to name but a few being prized. Cheaper furs, included weasel, rabbit and squirrel.
Often these furs would be dyed to closer resemble their more expensive
counterparts. Faux fur was also an option, with fabrics such as Siberian fur
cloth being created. Unsurprisingly, fur coats were very costly, so the
majority of women stuck to fur cuffs and collars.
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| 1920s 'It' Girl Louise Brooks |
Raincoats were
another matter altogether in that they prioritised function over fashion. In
the 1920s, raincoats tended to be made from oilskin or rubber coated cotton or
similar fabrics, in order to keep the wearer dry. They also, tended towards
bright colours, perhaps to increase the visibility of the wearer to motorists.
There were two main distinct styles of raincoat; the first is the rain cape,
preferred by older women, which is similar to the modern rain poncho, whilst
the other is the trench coat, first worn by men, which gained popularity
amongst women in the 1920s. Neither style came equipped with a hood, so some
form of waterproof hat would also be required.
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| 1920s Raincoats |
Overall,
there are several key recurring themes in 1920s fashion. Primarily, an
emphasis on simplicity and ease of production, that allowed all levels
of society to appear up to date on the latest fashions. Another theme is
the co-opting of traditionally male styles or garments, by women's
fashion, even in something as simple as a raincoat.
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| 1927 Autumn Coat Collection |
Eleanor
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