What Did Canadian Women Wear in the 1930's?
The Great Depression affected the fashion industry greatly. During the worst economic collapse in Canadian history, outfits were less daring and eccentric than they were in the 1920’s. Most people could no longer afford the luxurious lifestyle the 1920’s had provided. However, this did not stop Canadians from keeping up with the latest fashion trends. Women began to spend less on new clothes and focused more on reusing and remaking clothes they already owned. Women started sewing more and mended and patched old clothes. Dress clips were extremely useful because they could change the entire look of a dress. Women no longer changed outfits several times a day. Designers were aware of this change and returned to more basic styles for women’s clothing. Fashion became more feminine and emphasized the shape of a woman. The bust line was defined and the waistline was accentuated. Formal attire was seen as more attractive and elegant. Short dresses were no longer considered fashionable. If a woman had a short dress hanging in her closet, she would attach fabric to the bottom. Grecian-style evening gowns with heavy draperies and folds were popular for those who could afford it. Paris still had a huge influence on Canadian fashion, but Hollywood films would become an even stronger influence. Movies were a way for people to escape the Great Depression. Women took notice of what celebrities wore in movies and there were many fashion icons of the 1930's. The Canadian fashion industry was able to accommodate the Great Depression by remaining feminine yet simple.
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