Twentieth Century

Clothes

Women were set free from constricting clothes during this century. It was an age of mass consumption. Increased incomes meant that, for the first time, it was not always possible to tell whether a person was rich just by their dress.

In the second half of the century came that great leveller of class - the blue jeans.

Clothes have been revolutionised by two world wars, man made fabrics, sportswear and a desire for comfort.

Rich ladies of 1900 were well covered and trussed. The fashionable woman of 2000 controlled her body shape with exercise - wearing clothes to show off the results of her exertions!

Formal dress for men has remained the suit, collar and tie through the century. But hats, which were worn by all in the first half of the century, were optional extras by 2000.

The clothes in the picture were all fashionable through the twentieth century. Can you date them correctly?

Click the picture for answers.