Nylon

Nylon was a revolutionary invention. This led to the creation of stockings. They were primarially worn for warmth but as hemlines were higher more of the leg was exposed. So women wore stocking to make their legs look nicer and more slimline. 

Womenswear

Womenswear in the 1930s became more feminine. Curves became fashionable and clothes became softer and more girly. Women grew their hair longer but wore hats that exposed their forehead. These hats were plate shaped and ladies would wear them towards the back of the head.

Hollywood became big. Major actresses like Marlene Dietrich became style icons for the public. Movies became accessable for a wider audience and more people could afford to go. The 'Hollywood' image was absorbed by Paris designers and the look was reproduced.

From these icons, a new silhouette had emerge. Long skirts, widened shoulders, nipped in waists and figure hugging clothing became fashionable. Unlike the 1920s, pleats and godets were set in below the knee.

Godets: A triangular piece of material inserted in a dress, shirt, or glove to make it flared or for ornamentation.

Short bolero jackets and gloves were also fashionable (common etiquette for during the day). In the evening women wore evening gloves to match gowns. These gloves were often silk or satin.

Mens suits

Men would only sit in shirt sleeves in the privacy of their own home. Even those with little money would try to have one suit for 'Sunday Best'.

Burtons became the best for affordable mens tailoring for all shapes, sizes and budgets. 

Hats

Almost everyone during the 1930s-40s wore a hat or cap when going out. Most women wore wide brimmed hats or high hats. As well as that the 'snood' was quite fashionable too. The snood became a mainstay method of keeping hair free from machinery in wartime Britain.  Since the snood was crocheted it was also easy to copy and knitting and crochet and tatting patterns appeared in magazines everywhere.

Britain and America in Crisis!

During the depression, a massive class difference opened up between the rich and poor.

The wealthy could still afford to keep servants, run their house and keep a weekend country retreat. They were still able to travel in luxury cars and shop in designer boutiques. The wealthy were well educated. 

However, at the other end of the scale, a poor family of 8 or more would live in 2-3 rooms with no running water and no inside toilet. 

During this time, fashion portrayed an elegant and sophisticated image. This was a reaction against the wild, daring youthful fashion of the 20s. Because of the financial hardship people often tried harder to appear well dressed and respectable.  

The 30s was a quieter era, people were dressed and apprioately behaved in a respectable manner.