Explore what men and women wore during the 1930s and discover the influences that shaped the fashion of the decade.
Practicality and Glamour During the Great Depression
Fashion in the 1930s was deeply shaped by the social and economic backdrop of the time—particularly the Great Depression, which began with the Wall Street Crash in 1929. While there was an emphasis on practicality and moderation, there was also a desire for glamour, heavily inspired by Hollywood’s elegant dresses, offering an escape from the difficulties of daily life.
A classic example of a brown tailored 1930s dress, featuring a distinctive wide bow with colorful dots and a wide-brimmed hat, paired with our 1930s-style Marie Oxfords. Photo: Tami Meijburg
Tailored Elegance
Women’s fashion in the 1930s became more structured and refined, moving away from the looser, straighter styles of the 1920s. Dresses were often cut on the bias, allowing them to cling flatteringly to the body and enhancing the natural silhouette. Many designs included deep backs and waistlines that had returned to their natural position.
Sleeves were a prominent feature—dramatic puffed or bell-shaped styles were common. Day dresses usually reached mid-calf, while evening gowns were floor-length, in contrast to the shorter hemlines of the previous decade. Fashion was also influenced by movements like Bauhaus and Art Deco, seen in symmetrical lines, geometric shapes, and visible seams that added structure. Small floral prints were popular, giving a feminine touch to many fabrics.
A floor-length, figure-skimming bias-cut dress from the 1930s by Danish designer Holger Blom was one of the pieces shown at my historical fashion show in May. I paired it with my 1930s-inspired Marlene evening sandals.
Photo: Tami Meijburg
Working-Class Women’s Fashion
As the Great Depression forced many to cut back, fashion became more frugal. People often reused fabric and made their own clothes. Designers responded by creating pieces that could be worn in different combinations to get the most from a small wardrobe.
For working-class women, clothing was plain and practical. Dresses were made from hard-wearing fabrics such as cotton or wool, with modest cuts and longer hemlines that allowed ease of movement. Aprons were commonly worn for household tasks or industrial jobs. It was typical to remake old garments or sew clothes at home. Low-heeled shoes or sturdy boots were the everyday footwear of choice.
A classic 1930s outfit was both elegant and functional, such as a warm wool skirt paired with sturdy Oxford shoes, like my Juliette design.
Upper-Class Women’s Fashion
Despite the economic difficulties, wealthier women still embraced fashion that expressed elegance and status. Luxurious fabrics and sophisticated cuts defined the styles worn by the upper classes.
Evening wear was strongly influenced by Hollywood glamour, with silk, satin, or velvet gowns cut on the bias to create smooth, flowing lines that enhanced the figure. These dresses were often embellished with lace, beading, or embroidery. Accessories such as fur stoles, pearls, and large hats added the finishing touches.
Wide-legged trousers also made an appearance—worn mainly for leisure at the beach or informal gatherings. These “lounging pyjamas” were so wide they resembled skirts.
Women’s Footwear in the 1930s
Footwear in the 1930s balanced elegance with practicality. Hollywood helped to popularise stylish evening shoes—T-straps and Mary Janes remained fashionable. The dainty French heel of earlier years gave way to the more dramatic Spanish heel, lending a hint of cinematic flair.
At the same time, practical shoes were a necessity for many, making Oxfords a go-to option. These shoes often featured low block heels or flat soles, ideal for daily wear. Platform shoes and sandals also started to appear, often made from new materials like cork or wood.
Our Helen sandal captures the typical 1930s evening style, with cut-outs, a T-strap, and a Spanish heel.
Men’s Fashion in the 1930s
Men’s fashion in the 1930s was defined by classic tailoring and understated elegance. Double-breasted suits with broad lapels and structured shoulders were popular, creating a strong silhouette. Trousers were high-waisted with pleats and turn-ups. Hats such as fedoras and trilbies were essential and rarely absent from a man’s wardrobe.
Working-Class Men’s Fashion
For working-class men, practicality was key. Durable wool or denim trousers were worn with plain shirts or overalls, often kept in place with braces. Tweed jackets and flat caps were popular choices, offering both warmth and style. Footwear was functional—hard-wearing leather shoes or boots suited to manual work.
Upper-Class Men’s Fashion
For upper-class men, tailored clothing remained central to a polished look. Suits featured slimmer trousers and well-fitted jackets. Dark colours like navy, black, and grey were worn for formal occasions, while linen and other light fabrics were chosen for summer. Finishing touches such as ties, pocket squares, and hats completed the ensemble. Two tone spectator shoes became a popular footwear, in colors like white and brown or white and black. Often they had a brogue pattern, giving them a casual, yet sporty look.
Charles is our 1930s two-tone spectator shoe, true to original design in brown and white colors with a brogue pattern.
The Rise of Leisurewear
Leisurewear, which had gained traction in the 1920s, continued to evolve through the 1930s. Polo shirts, knitwear, and sports jackets became standard for more relaxed settings. Two-tone “spectator” shoes brought a bit of flair to casual attire.
A striking example of women’s leisurewear from the time is a 1930s gymnastic jumpsuit from AGF, a sports team in Aarhus, Denmark, shown at my fashion event in May. On her feet is my Sidse sandals in cream.
Photo: Tami Meijburg
If you’d like to learn more about iconic shoe designs, take a look at our article explaining the history of 1930s showstopper: The two-tone spectator shoe. You can also read our guide to 1940s fashion for more historical style inspiration in our article: 1940's Fashion - What did the 1940's look like?
Sources:
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Shoes – An Illustrated Story by Rebecca Shawcross
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Tidens Mode by Anne-Grete Steckhahn
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Vintage Fashion – Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics by Emma Baxter-Wright, Karen Clarkson, Sarah Kennedy & Kate Mulvey
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Vintage Shoes by Caroline Cox