Clothes 100 Years Ago: 100 Authentic Items from the 1920s

This comprehensive list covers 100 authentic clothing items from roughly 100 years ago, focusing primarily on styles popular in the 1920s. It is designed for fashion historians, vintage enthusiasts, costume designers, and anyone interested in the details of early 20th-century apparel. Each item includes concise historical context to explain its use, origin, or significance during that era.

Men’s Formalwear

1. Morning Coat – A formal daytime coat with a long tail, worn for weddings or official occasions.
2. Tailcoat – The quintessential evening formal coat, typically black, with a cutaway front and tails at the back.
3. White Tie Shirt – A stiff-fronted shirt designed for ultra-formal white tie events.
4. Wing Collar Shirt – A dress shirt with a short, pointed collar folded down, common under tuxedos.
5. Ascot Tie – A wide, formal necktie worn under a shirt collar for daytime formalwear.
6. Bow Tie – A staple of evening wear, often black silk, paired with tuxedos and tailcoats.
7. Waistcoat (Vest) – A fitted garment worn under a suit jacket, often in contrasting fabric for style.
8. Dress Gloves – Fine leather or fabric gloves worn for formal occasions to add polish and etiquette.
9. Top Hat – Tall, rigid hat worn with formal daywear such as morning coats.
10. Opera Cloak – A long, flowing cloak worn over formalwear to theater or opera events.

Men’s Casual and Workwear

11. Newsboy Cap – A rounded cap with a small stiff brim, popular among working-class men and boys.
12. Flat Cap – A soft, rounded cap with a small visor, common in rural and urban casual wear.
13. Tweed Jacket – A rough wool jacket favored for country wear and sporting activities.
14. Knickerbockers – Knee-length trousers worn with long socks, popular for sports and casual outings.
15. Oxford Shirt – A durable cotton shirt with a button-down collar, staple for everyday wear.
16. Suspenders (Braces) – Straps worn over the shoulders to hold up trousers before belts became widespread.
17. Work Overalls – Durable one-piece garments worn by laborers for protection and practicality.
18. Harris Tweed Suit – Handwoven wool suits from Scotland, valued for warmth and durability.
19. Argyle Socks – Patterned knit socks often worn with knickerbockers or casual suits.
20. Leather Brogues – Sturdy, perforated leather shoes designed for country walking and casual wear.

Women’s Daywear

21. Drop Waist Dress – A loose-fitting dress with the waistline lowered to the hips, emblematic of flapper fashion.
22. Cloche Hat – A close-fitting bell-shaped hat that framed the face, popular throughout the 1920s.
23. Mary Jane Shoes – Low-heeled shoes with a strap across the instep, favored for daytime wear.
24. Silk Blouse – Lightweight, often sheer blouses worn under skirts for a refined daytime look.
25. Flapper Dress – Shorter, fringed or beaded dresses allowing freer movement for dancing.
26. Bobbed Hair – Though not clothing, this hairstyle complemented the modern woman’s wardrobe.
27. Long Gloves – Elbow-length gloves worn with day or evening dresses for added elegance.
28. Stockings with Garters – Silk or rayon stockings held up by garters, essential before the invention of tights.
29. Cardigan Sweater – A knitted button-up sweater worn over blouses or dresses for warmth and style.
30. Handbag (Reticule) – Small, often beaded purses carried by women for essentials.

Women’s Eveningwear

31. Beaded Evening Gown – Elaborate gowns decorated with glass beads, sequins, and embroidery for formal events.
32. Feathered Headband – Decorative headbands adorned with feathers, popular for parties and dances.
33. Fur Stole – A wrap made of fur worn over the shoulders for warmth and luxury.
34. Silk Stockings – Sheer silk hosiery essential for evening ensembles.
35. T-strap Heels – High-heeled shoes with a T-shaped strap for secure fit and style.
36. Long Pearl Necklace – Iconic costume jewelry, often layered for dramatic effect.
37. Opera Gloves – White or black gloves reaching above the elbow, worn at formal evening occasions.
38. Chiffon Shawl – Lightweight, flowing fabric wraps used to complement evening gowns.
39. Sequin Dress – Dresses covered in sequins for sparkle under ballroom lights.
40. Finger Wave Hair – A popular hairstyle featuring sculpted waves, enhancing the flapper look.

Children’s Clothing

41. Sailor Suit – A popular outfit for boys featuring a blouse with a sailor collar and matching shorts or trousers.
42. Smocked Dress – Girls’ dresses with decorative embroidery and gathered fabric at the chest.
43. Knitted Cardigan – Warm wool sweaters hand-knitted for children’s everyday wear.
44. Striped Knee Socks – Colorful socks worn with shorts or dresses for comfort and style.
45. School Cap – Soft caps often worn by boys attending school or playing outdoors.
46. Wool Mittens – Thick hand coverings to protect children from cold weather.
47. Romper Suit – One-piece garments for toddlers allowing easy movement and diaper changes.
48. Peter Pan Collar Dress – Dresses featuring the rounded collar, named after the character’s costume.
49. Leather Boots – Durable footwear designed for children’s active play and rough terrain.
50. Corduroy Pants – Sturdy cotton trousers with ridged texture, popular for boys’ casual wear.

Outerwear and Coats

51. Trench Coat – Waterproof, belted coats initially designed for military use, widely adopted in civilian fashion.
52. Fur Coat – Luxurious coats made from mink, fox, or sable, signifying wealth and status.
53. Chesterfield Coat – A long, tailored wool coat with a velvet collar, common in men’s formalwear.
54. Cloche Coat – Short, close-fitting women’s coats designed to complement the cloche hat.
55. Raincoat (Macintosh) – Rubberized waterproof coats protecting wearers from rain.
56. Car Coat – A practical, short coat designed for automobile travel comfort.
57. Cape – Sleeveless outer garment draping over the shoulders, popular in women’s fashion for ease and flair.
58. Sheepskin Jacket – Warm jackets made from sheepskin, often worn for outdoor activities.
59. Double-Breasted Overcoat – Heavy wool coats with two rows of buttons, favored for winter warmth.
60. Storm Collar – A wide collar on coats that could be turned up to shield the neck from wind and rain.

Underwear and Foundations

61. Corset – A stiffened garment worn to shape the torso, though by the 1920s it was less restrictive than in previous eras.
62. Brassiere – Early bras designed to flatten the bust in line with the flapper silhouette.
63. Union Suit – A one-piece undergarment covering torso and legs, popular for men’s sleepwear and warmth.
64. Bloomers – Loose-fitting underpants worn by women for modesty and comfort.
65. Hosiery Garters – Adjustable elastic bands used to hold up stockings before tights were common.
66. Long Underwear – Wool or cotton long johns worn beneath clothes for added warmth in winter.
67. Slip – Lightweight underdress worn to prevent outer garments from clinging and to protect against perspiration.
68. Drawers – Loose cotton pants worn as women’s underwear beneath skirts and dresses.
69. Cambric Chemise – Lightweight cotton undershirts worn by women under corsets or dresses.
70. Stays – Early form of corsetry with boning, still used by some in the early 20th century for posture.

Accessories and Footwear

71. Spats – Decorative fabric coverings worn over shoes and ankles, popular with men for formal or dressy occasions.
72. Cufflinks – Decorative fasteners used to secure shirt cuffs, a mark of refined menswear.
73. Watch Chain – Chains worn across waistcoats to secure pocket watches.
74. Walking Stick – Often stylish and functional, used by men as a fashion accessory and for support.
75. Brooch – Ornamental pins worn by women to fasten scarves or decorate dresses.
76. Hair Comb – Decorative combs, often jeweled or lacquered, used to style and secure women’s hair.
77. Button Boots – Lace-up boots with buttons instead of eyelets, popular for women in the early 20th century.
78. Oxford Shoes – Classic leather shoes with closed lacing, worn by men and women for formal and casual occasions.
79. Bowler Hat – Rounded hats with narrow brims, commonly worn by businessmen and city workers.
80. Neck Scarf – Lightweight scarves worn by both men and women for warmth and fashion.

Sports and Leisurewear

81. Golf Knickers – Baggy, knee-length trousers worn by men while playing golf.
82. Argyle Sweater – Knitted sweaters featuring diamond patterns, often worn for golf or casual outings.
83. Blazer – A lightweight jacket, usually navy blue with brass buttons, worn for sports or casual elegance.
84. Tennis Dress – Simple white dresses designed for women’s tennis, emphasizing freedom of movement.
85. Wool Swim Cap – Protective caps worn by swimmers to keep hair dry and reduce drag.
86. Cricket Whites – All-white outfits worn during cricket matches by men.
87. Rowing Blazer – Distinctive blazers worn by rowing teams, often in bold colors and stripes.
88. Jodhpurs – Sturdy riding trousers designed for horseback riding with reinforced inner legs.
89. Boater Hat – Straw hats with flat tops and brims, popular for summer outings and boating.
90. Windbreaker – Lightweight jackets designed to block wind during outdoor activities.

How to Use This List

This list serves as a detailed reference to the clothing styles and items worn around 100 years ago, especially during the 1920s. Use it to identify authentic garments for vintage fashion projects, costume design, or historical research. When selecting items, consider the occasion (formal, casual, sports), gender, and social status to ensure accuracy. Pairing accessories correctly will enhance authenticity, such as matching a cloche hat with a drop waist dress for women or a top hat with a morning coat for men. Understanding the materials and cuts typical of the era also helps in recognizing genuine pieces versus modern reproductions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What fabrics were common in clothes 100 years ago?
Wool, cotton, silk, linen, and rayon were widely used, with wool favored for outerwear and silk for formal dresses.

2. How did men’s and women’s fashion differ in the 1920s?
Men’s fashion was tailored and structured, focusing on suits and formalwear, while women’s fashion embraced looser silhouettes and shorter hemlines reflecting new social freedoms.

3. Were colors bright or muted in 1920s clothing?
Daywear often featured muted or earth tones, while eveningwear included richer colors and metallic embellishments for glamour.

4. How important were accessories in 1920s fashion?
Accessories like hats, gloves, and jewelry were essential to complete an outfit and convey social status or occasion appropriateness.

5. Did children’s clothing mimic adult styles?
Yes, children’s clothes often mirrored adult fashion but were adapted for comfort and practicality.

6. How did economic factors affect clothing choices?
Post-WWI economic recovery and industrialization made ready-to-wear clothing more accessible, but luxury fabrics and furs remained status symbols.

Final Thoughts

Clothing from 100 years ago offers a fascinating glimpse into a period of rapid social and cultural change. From the elegance of men’s formalwear to the bold freedom of women’s flapper dresses, each item reflects the values, technologies, and lifestyles of the era. Whether for historical study, fashion inspiration, or theatrical costume, understanding these authentic garments enriches our appreciation of the past and informs how we interpret vintage style today.

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