Although the 1930s live on in our memory as a time of struggle, any vintage enthusiast knows that no economic crisis could ever stop the evolution of fashion. In fact, the ever-changing needs of the everyday person can be just as influential as the world’s top designers, and the Great Depression was no different. Join us as we take a closer look at how 1930s fashion managed to make a name for itself in the wake of the beloved Jazz Age!

Origins of 1930s Trends

In comparison to the wild and free 1920s, the ‘30s were marked not only by financial hardships but also by a growing culture of conservative sensibilities. Waistlines gradually returned to their natural place, and hems made their way back towards the floor. Though you might think using less fabric was ideal, modesty eventually won out over poverty with the introduction of the Hays Code in 1934, and as always, Hollywood was a major player in defining the fashion scene. 

Iconic actresses like Jean Harlow and Joan Crawford were dressed in long, elegant gowns that flowed softly over the body and left a lot to the imagination. With such strict rules in place regulating which body parts were considered “obscene,” even design details like leg slits were usually out of the question. Some clever costumers opted to show off the back instead, a decision that ended up following these slinky, high-coverage dresses into mainstream fashion trends. In the end, the signature silhouette of the 1930s featured broad shoulders and a slim waist with minimal cinching to emphasize the figure. The garments themselves were the star of the show, and this encouraged women to experiment with a variety of colors and patterns.

We see these fads reflected in iconic movies like 1939’s Gone With the Wind, which, despite taking place in the 1860s, showcases several iconic ‘30s styling details blended with Civil War–era aesthetics. While the standard of her time was off-the-shoulder sleeves and straight or slightly dipping necklines, many of Scarlett O’Hara’s memorable dresses feature distinctly contemporary aspects like strong shoulder sleeves and daring V-necklines. We see a similar approach taken in Joe Wright’s 2007 film Atonement, set in 1930s England, where Keira Knightley’s Cecilia is remembered for her breathtaking green gown with an entirely open back, a strappy V-neckline with fully bared shoulders, and beautifully draped fabric that creates a narrow shape from top to bottom.

In the end, the signature silhouette of the 1930s featured broad shoulders and a slim waist with minimal cinching to emphasize the figure. The garments themselves were the star of the show, and this encouraged women to experiment with a variety of colors and patterns.

Day Dresses & Gowns

The thing that made the trends of the 1930s possible was the return of bias cutting techniques. By cutting at a 45-degree angle to the warp and weft of woven fabric, designers were able to create garments that draped fluidly over the female form without fitting too tightly against the skin.

Bias cutting made for a superbly elegant look that was most popular in eveningwear, but it still sometimes made its way into more tailored everyday clothing. Fit-and-flare pieces like the 1930s Polka-Dot Mermaid Dress and Black 1930s Dots Tie-Neck Mermaid Dress beautifully demonstrate the way intriguing patterns and creative construction blended to create fun, feminine looks throughout the ‘30s.

The way bias-cut fabric lay against the body made mermaid and fishtail silhouettes a natural next step in the development of 1930s fashions, as it served to accentuate the waist and shoulders with no added cinching or padding. The 1930s Ruffle Lace-Up Fishtail Dress, for example, demonstrates the way this technique went hand in hand with details like gathering and ruffles to create a truly memorable end product. Some, however, preferred pieces like the 1930s Solid Deep V-Neck Satin Dress that allowed the smooth fall of the fabric to stand on its own. If you’re looking for a more contemporary approach, there’s the Blue 1930s Off-Shoulder Floral Ruffle Hem Dress, which showcases several popular texturizing techniques from the ‘30s in tandem with an updated cropped hem and asymmetrical mermaid silhouette.

The fit-and-flare silhouette is what it was all about in the 1930s, whether it was practical daywear like the sophisticated 2-Piece 1930s Solid Velvet Top & Mermaid Skirt or elegant eveningwear such as the dainty yet daring 1930s Deep V-Neck Mesh Sequined Maxi Dress. This silhouette is so iconic that you can even find it in more alternative garments like the Pink 1930s Halloween Blood Fishtail Dress or Black & Red 1930s Halloween Fishtail Strap Dress, two spooky holiday classics perfect for the vintage goth in you.

Of course, the 1930s are also synonymous with Old Hollywood glamour, which you can find plenty of in showstopping gowns like the 1930s Vintage Sequin Strapless Dress and the Deep Red 1930s Glitter Cowl-Neck Mermaid Dress. Their rich red coloring and seductive shape are sure to bring out your inner Jessica Rabbit!

JetSet Jumpsuits

You might not think of jumpsuits when you imagine the ‘30s, but these modernized takes on classic trends are a great way to show your love for retro aesthetics in everyday life. The Black 1930s Solid Mesh Bow Jumpsuit has a distinctly refined feel to it thanks to its crisp black base fabric, sheer pink sleeves, and delicate pearl straps. For a more subdued look, though, the 1930s Polka-Dot Belt Jumpsuit and Navy Blue 1930s Cowboy Solid Strap Jumpsuit are both fantastic options that are easy to wear and flattering to many body types.

From seductive lingerie like the 1930s Solid V-Neck Ruffle Sheer Nightgown to tailored one-pieces like the Green 1930s Plaid Keyhole Neck Belted Jumpsuit, you can incorporate the 1930s into just about any corner of your wardrobe. The eclectic elegance of this decade can’t be understated, with pieces like the Pink 1930s Rose Silk Mesh Mermaid Dress and the Black 1930s Spiderweb Mesh Stripe Fishtail Dress representing opposite ends of a very broad and very influential spectrum of high fashion. If you’ve ever been curious about the ‘30s as a vintage enthusiast, we encourage you to get exploring!

The Rise of the Beach Babe

Ironically, even though Hollywood was way more modest, swimwear in the 1930s was a kind of turning point, baring more skin than ever before with strappy, open-back designs that showed off the back and shoulders. Two-pieces were still a ways away, but the way beachwear evolved in the ‘30s laid the groundwork for future scandalous developments later on.

The Brown 1930s Leopard V-Neck Halter Swimsuit is quite tame by today’s standards, but it would’ve caused quite the stir back in the day! Despite being a one-piece, its provocative keyhole halter neckline and eye-catching leopard print make it a fantastic choice for making a splash. At the other end of the spectrum, there’s the lovely 1930s Plaid Halter One-Piece Swimsuit, coming in four pastel colors and featuring a modest swim skirt that would’ve been popular at the time. 

As far as plunging suits go, the Red 1930s Retro Halter Solid One-Piece Swimsuit is definitely one of the most revealing in our 1930s lineup! Its deep V-neckline and backless halter design create a beautiful contrast between the rich red color of the fabric and your sun-kissed skin. The Yellow 1930s V-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit takes a similar approach, plunging low in both the front and back and drawing attention to your shoulders and waist with sweet, sunshiney frills.

Satin Slumber

Besides eveningwear, sleepwear was where flowing fabric really shined. In the summer, lightweight satin nightgowns or two-piece pajama sets were the way to go to stay cool at night while still keeping that feminine aesthetic at the forefront. The 1930s Embroidered Faux Satin Strap Nightgown captures this energy beautifully with its intricate lace appliques, and it’s available in four different colors, so you can tailor it to your tastes.

The Champagne 1930s Solid Lace Satin Nightgown is another lovely option that features pinched straps and lace overlays, almost dripping over the body like water. And if you’re looking for something with a little more stretch, the Black & White 1930s Bowknot Suspender Sleepwear has you covered, sporting an attention-grabbing white bow at the front and an exquisite crown edge on each strap.

Keeping Forgotten Fashions Alive

Women in the 1930s were doing everything they could to express themselves in the face of financial troubles, oppressive guidelines, and uncertain futures. If you want to pay homage to the trendsetters of the era, now’s the time to start collecting fishtail dresses, strappy one-piece swimsuits, and satin nightgowns. You can visit the Retro Stage website to shop our full collection of 1930s-inspired clothing and totally revamp your wardrobe!