CNE Fashion

The most notable fashion trend from 1930-1945 was a lot of attention to the shoulder with banjo and butterfly sleeves. Many of these clothes also had very exaggerated shoulder pads for the women and men both. This period was also known as first widespread use of man made fibers such as rayon and nylon. Another important item in this time period was the use of the zipper. Along with clothing a sunburn became very popular. A sunburn is what we now call today a suntan. A sunburn helped lead the fashion industry in a new direction. Such as white dinner jackets for men and exposed bellies for women.

Fashion for women during this time period was greatly influenced by the movies. For instance, Scarlett OHaras dress from Gone With the Wind was one of the most copied dresses from this time period. One of the most common things seen on a dress during this timeline was the use of the empire waistline. Gloves were one of the most important necessities of this time period. Gloves were worn long and short and with most dresses. The use of nylon stockings came in and around 1940. These gained popularity with women but due to the war, nylon was in short supply. When stores would get these stockings in, there were often nylon riots of women trying to get their hands on the stockings. Female children often wore the same fashions as adult women. Girls usually wore frilly dresses that came knee or calf length and stockings.

Fashion for men during this time period changed in several different ways. The main being that the colors subdued and were no longer quite as vibrant. The drape cape became very popular during this time period. The suits of this era made the mans figure more flattering and more noticeable. White dinner jackets came into fashion and were worn quite regularly. The zoot suit became highly popular as well. Male children in this time period often wore clothes that matched the same fashion that their father was wearing.