History's Best Selling Fashion of 1920

Hats off to 1920! Few fashion commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Wide-leg trousers. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Beaded Evening Bag and Sweater vest, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Multiple Designers and Brands and Various Artisans and Manufacturers set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Wide-leg trousers

   Released in 1920 by Multiple Designers and Brands

   Wide-leg trousers emerged as a powerful statement piece in the early 20th century, particularly for women, challenging the restrictive silhouettes of previous eras. First gaining significant traction in the 1920s as "beach pyjamas" and later adopted by daring fashionistas, this design quickly signaled a shift towards comfort and liberation in women's attire. Its immediate appeal lay in its unprecedented freedom of movement and a relaxed elegance that stood in stark contrast to the corseted styles and full skirts that dominated fashion for centuries. This foundational appeal allowed wide-leg trousers to secure their place as a recurring and beloved element of global fashion, setting the stage for numerous resurgences across the decades.

2. Beaded Evening Bag

   Released in 1920 by Various Artisans and Manufacturers, N/A

   The Beaded Evening Bag, while possessing a history stretching back centuries, truly captivated the fashion world and surged in popularity during the opulent 1920s, becoming an indispensable accessory for the era's sophisticated woman. This wasn't merely a bag for carrying essentials; it was a dazzling statement piece, a jewel-like adornment that perfectly complemented the flapper dresses and sleek silhouettes of the Jazz Age. Its immediate success lay in its ability to marry artisanal craftsmanship with the burgeoning desire for glamour and individuality, making every evening outing an occasion for exquisite display and personal expression, solidifying its place as a style icon.

3. Sweater vest

   Released in 1920 by

   The sweater vest, a seemingly simple sleeveless knit, emerged in the early 20th century, quickly establishing itself as a remarkably versatile and enduring fashion piece. Initially favored for its practical benefits in sports and academic environments, it provided warmth without hindering arm movement, offering a comfortable alternative to full sweaters. Its unassuming elegance and ability to effortlessly complement various ensembles contributed to its swift and widespread adoption. From golf courses to university campuses, the sweater vest became synonymous with a relaxed yet refined aesthetic, cementing its place in popular culture and fashion history for decades to come.

4. Flapper Dress

   Released in 1920 by Popular Culture, Various influential designers

   The Flapper style burst onto the scene in the early 1920s, rapidly becoming the defining aesthetic of the "Roaring Twenties." More than just a fashion trend, it was a cultural revolution, symbolizing a newfound freedom and defiance among young Western women post-World War I. Its immediate popularity wasn't merely about clothing; it represented a radical departure from Victorian norms, with women shedding corsets, bobbing their hair, and embracing a lifestyle of jazz, dancing, and social liberation. The commercial success was immense, as fashion houses, accessory makers, and even cosmetic companies quickly adapted to the demands of this rebellious new consumer base, making the flapper look a global phenomenon and a commercial goldmine for an entire decade.

5. Pantsuit

   Released in 1920 by Chanel, Coco Chanel

   The pantsuit, a revolutionary ensemble that would redefine women's fashion, first emerged in the 1920s, spearheaded by visionary designers like Coco Chanel. Initially conceived as a practical and comfortable alternative to the restrictive dresses and skirts prevalent at the time, it immediately resonated with a growing desire for emancipation and functionality among women. While not an instant mainstream sensation, its introduction planted a crucial seed, challenging centuries of sartorial tradition and signaling a shift towards greater freedom in female attire. Its quiet debut laid the groundwork for a future where women could embrace tailored power dressing, marking a significant, albeit initially understated, cultural and commercial success that would blossom in later decades.

6. Plus fours

   Released in 1920 by Unknown, Unknown

   The roaring twenties ushered in an era of unprecedented social change and a relaxed approach to fashion, especially in sports and leisurewear. Amidst this sartorial revolution, 'Plus fours' emerged as a definitive style statement, capturing the imagination of sportsmen and trendsetters alike. These distinctive breeches, extending precisely four inches below the knee, quickly became synonymous with golf, hunting, and a refined, active lifestyle. Their immediate popularity was fueled by their innovative design, which offered unparalleled freedom of movement, and their adoption by high-profile figures, cementing their status as a must-have item for the fashionable gentleman seeking both comfort and panache on the greens and beyond.

7. T-bar sandal

   Released in 1920 by Various

   The T-bar sandal burst onto the fashion scene in the early 20th century, particularly finding its stride and immense popularity during the roaring 1920s. This elegant and practical footwear quickly became synonymous with the flapper era, offering a perfect blend of style, comfort, and security for the dynamic lifestyle of the modern woman. Its success lay in its unique design that not only complemented the fashionable shorter hemlines of the decade but also provided an essential grip for the era's popular dance crazes, making it an instant and enduring hit.