Flappers During The 1920's

The term “flap” was used to describe prostitutes, and has been used all the back since the 17th century. However, during the 1920s, the term “flappers” (deriving from the word “flap”) had a completely new meaning. The term was used to describe a group of young, stylish, and rebellious women who were “known for wearing short dresses and bobbed hair and for embracing freedom from traditional societal constraints.” ^1. Flappers welcomed change, slowly moving away from past values and carving their own identity. Flappers engaged in behaviors and activities that were considered “brave” for women-- drinking, smoking, partying, and enjoying nightlife where they met others who were outside of their normal social circle, challenging the idea that women

It developed as a result of gradual social and cultural changes” ^2. They abandoned corsets for greater freedom and comfort, and sheer and movable fabrics were used in many flapper dresses. These dresses were made with materials such as silk, satin, chiffon, or organdy; if silk was too expensive for the consumer, artificial silk was used as a replacement.^3 Flapper dresses have defined characteristics, including things like low cuts, and knee-length, the material was thinner, and the arm and ankles were either exposed or covered by see-through fabric. Beyond dresses, some hairstyles that were popular among the flappers was the “Dutch boy bob '', which was a straight bob just below the chin line and featured bangs, another was the ‘Marcel wave’ which was a bob that was achieved by using heat and curling iron on the hair to produce a wavy bob.^3. Flappers also adored accessories such as Cloche hats. The word Cloche means “bell” in French (fashion during this time was also heavily inspired by the French.) This bell-shaped hat was a defining fashion statement, typically made of felt and were designed to be worn low on the forehead, and were decorated with beads or