1920s dresses with bird silhouette print
Pajamas were the new lounge wear of the 1920s, no longer limited to actually sleeping in.
In the 1920s and 1930s, these garments, made of soft satin and embroidered “a la Chinoise,” became not only acceptable, but a chic, stylish item for women to wear to soirees in the homes of their bohemian friends.
Art Deco was also popular in the 1920s and fabric prints reflected this.
Art Deco Fabrics (Spoonflower)
Fabric: Art Deco Inspired Print in an ultra-thin rayon challis and Bird Silhouette Print in a poly gauze
I selected an Art Deco inspired geometric print for the Beach Pajamas in a very delicately thin and airy rayon challis, 100% viscose (which was difficult to cut and sew with) and added a silhouette bird pattern fabric (also popular in the 1920s) for the collar and pockets, in a poly gauze.
Misses’ Polonaise Costume, from Butterick’s Delineator, September 1883
Before the twentieth century, women were technically not allowed to wear pants because it was deemed a masculine item, and they were ostracized if they opted to do so. The Women’s Suffrage movement gained its greatest victory in 1920 when the 19th Amendment prohibited gender discrimination in the voting polls. This political gain opened a decade of many radical changes in the perception and presentation of women. One of these changes was the change in the oppressive and sometimes health detriments of women’s fashions of the time. Dress reformers in the 19th century tackled this issue of female oppression by fashion by promoting social improvement in practicality over trends, for health and comfort over convention, and rationality over conformity
Paul Poiret harem pants
The arrival of World War I (1914–18) gave many women jobs as men went to join the military and many women wore trousers and overalls to work in factories.
Eastern culture inspired French designer Paul Poiret (1879–1944) to become one of the first to design pants (trousers) for women. In 1913 Poiret created loose-fitting, wide-leg trousers for women called harem pants, which were based on the costumes of the popular opera Sheherazade.
When crepe beach and lounge pajamas were first worn at the seaside, trouser wearing women were a rare sight and still very much confined to only beach and promenade areas while in public. Society still did not want to accept women in this new role.
Kitty Wants
Also, don’t forget to enter the Wellington Pattern Pyramid, here. The last day for entry is this Friday June 7, 2013.
Resources and Credits:
http://www.swingfashionista.com/tag/beach-pyjamas/
http://www.ehow.com/info_8110935_did-women-dress-1920s.html
http://fashionbloglife.com/1920sfashion/
1930s beach and lounging pyjamas…how I love thee
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tove-hermanson/women-pants-politics_b_541555.html