From the slope to the dancefloor

In the 1920s, more and more women were becoming involved in sports – such as tennis, or golf. In winter, skiing was a must for the style set, spurred on by the glamour of the Winter Olympic games in Chamonix (1924) and St. Moritz (1928). In summer, the beach was the place to be. Sunbathers had a choice of beach pajamas or sets of bathing costumes, along with matching bathing caps and robes. Tanned skin started coming into fashion towards the end of the 1920s as a symbol of an active lifestyle (no longer a sign of peasant labor). This trend was accompanied by a boost in popularity for tanning creams, lotions, oils, bronzers, self-tanners and UV lamps.

During this same period, fashion mavens Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli contributed to the new knitwear trend (which was formerly worn mainly by men in casual settings). Vibrant patterns and colors adorned sweaters, scarves, socks and gloves, came together as eye-catching outfits. 

Stylish men like Jan Kiepura also embraced turtleneck sweaters, thick socks and gloves, while their suits became more roomy and decidedly more comfortable. They were also given a more fashionable punch with patterned waistcoats and ties. The ‘must-have’ item of the times was certainly the classic fedora, which hardly ever left its wearer’s head – even on the ski slope. Its particular style was indicated by the season and the occasion.