8.2 World War I's Impact on Costume: Practicality and Women's Rights

World War I revolutionized women's fashion, prioritizing practicality and comfort. Fabric rationing led to shorter hemlines and simpler silhouettes, while military-inspired elements and masculine influences crept into everyday wear. These changes reflected women's expanding roles in society and the workforce.

The war's impact on fashion intertwined with the women's rights movement. Practical clothing enabled greater physical freedom and symbolized empowerment. Rejecting restrictive garments like corsets and embracing trousers challenged gender norms, while innovations like the trench coat and cloche hat defined the era's style.

World War I's Impact on Women's Fashion

Practicality in women's wartime fashion

Top images from around the web for Practicality in women's wartime fashion

• 

  "These Women Are Doing Their Bit -- Learn to Make Munitions," recruiting poster | Flickr - Photo ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Women's Army Auxiliary Corps recruits, at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, 1942 - U.S. Army.jpg ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rosie the Riveter - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  "These Women Are Doing Their Bit -- Learn to Make Munitions," recruiting poster | Flickr - Photo ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Women's Army Auxiliary Corps recruits, at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, 1942 - U.S. Army.jpg ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Practicality in women's wartime fashion

• 

  "These Women Are Doing Their Bit -- Learn to Make Munitions," recruiting poster | Flickr - Photo ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Women's Army Auxiliary Corps recruits, at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, 1942 - U.S. Army.jpg ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rosie the Riveter - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  "These Women Are Doing Their Bit -- Learn to Make Munitions," recruiting poster | Flickr - Photo ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Women's Army Auxiliary Corps recruits, at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, 1942 - U.S. Army.jpg ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Fabric rationing forced use of less material in garments led to shorter hemlines and creative design solutions
• Simplified silhouettes featured looser, less restrictive clothing eliminated corsets improved mobility and comfort
• Practical materials like durable wool and cotton in dark colors enhanced longevity and reduced visible wear and tear
• Functional design elements incorporated large pockets for carrying items and buttoned closures for ease of dressing
• Military-inspired elements adapted tailored jackets with epaulettes and brass buttons blended utility with style

Masculine influences on women's clothing

• Women in the workforce adopted factory uniforms and trousers for manual labor influenced everyday wear
• Military service roles inspired civilian fashion with women's auxiliary uniforms featuring military-style jackets and skirts
• Nursing and medical professions introduced practical, easy-to-clean uniforms influenced everyday dress design
• Masculine-inspired elements emerged with tailored suits for women and neckties as accessories challenged gender norms
• Sportswear influence brought comfortable, movement-allowing designs and knit fabrics for flexibility into mainstream fashion

Fashion and Women's Rights

Fashion and women's rights movement

• Practicality as empowerment allowed increased physical activity supported women's new roles in society (workplace, sports)
• Rejection of restrictive garments abandoned corsets symbolized freedom looser silhouettes represented bodily autonomy
• Pants as a symbol of equality adopted trousers in various settings (work, leisure) challenged traditional gender norms
• Shorter hairstyles like bob cuts became a statement of independence practical for working women
• Simplified dress served as protest rejected elaborate pre-war fashions emphasized function over decoration

World War I fashion innovations

• Trench coat adapted from military wear featured functional design with belt and deep pockets became a versatile staple
• Cloche hat close-fitting style suited short hairstyles symbolized the modern woman
• Costume jewelry provided affordable alternatives to precious gems allowed for fashion experimentation during rationing
• Jersey fabric popularized by Coco Chanel offered comfortable and adaptable material for various garments
• Jumper dress created versatile garment worn over blouses easily modified for different occasions
• Oxford shoes adapted from men's styles provided sturdy, practical footwear for working women
• Hobble skirt featured narrow design allowing small steps marked transitional style between pre-war and wartime fashion