Primary Sources: The 1910's: Fashion

"The fashion revolution began in 1908 and brought a completely fresh look into the 1910s. The absurd, corseted shape of the 1910s woman became more natural during the 1910s, and clothing toned down its lavishness considerably. The "New Woman" that emerged in 1908 was more comfortable, more active, more educated, more independent, and more career-driven. Fashion changed little during WWI, but the mass-produced clothing industry soared in the post-war years. A larger variety of inexpensive clothing was available, allowing fashion to move away from the strict high-style clothing of the 1900s and into a market of quality, affordable clothing for all. Women continued to reject the antiquated notions of femininity, and an even larger reform in dress emerged at the end of the 1910s. By the end of the decade, men's fashions, too, would evolve into something more mainstream and more casual."

Oct. 1913-Mar. 1914; v. 4 (1914-15); v. 5 (1915); Oct 1915-Mar 1916; Apr-Sept. 1916; Oct. 1916-Mar. 1917; v. 9 (1917) - . 19 (Apr.-Sept. 1922)

Images of clothing worn in Michigan. Images can be browsed by year.

Clothing from the museum's collection.

"The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection is a scholarly and artistic resource of apparel and textile material culture. The 11,500+ holdings encompass a range of three dimensional objects such as textiles and articles of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, including national dress costume, from the mid-18th century to contemporary 21st century designers."

"Illustrations collected and restored by Richard Powers. Please do not reproduce without permission."

"Vanity Fair is a magazine of fashion and popular culture published by Conde Nast."