Why was it called the Roaring 20s?

The 1920s will always be known as the decade of jazz music, ritzy parties, and bootlegging. But why was it called the ‘Roaring Twenties’? Well, it was a time of significant change, with society moving away from the Victorian era and into a new, liberated, modern age. An age that was flashy and rebellious. 

With the prohibition of alcohol introduced, a world war finally over, and the Spanish flu pandemic trickling away, people began to push back against conservative ideals and pursued carefree living. This led to what we know and love about the Roaring 20s today — make-up, music and fashion. 

If you’re looking for a Roaring 20s costume for your next function, find some inspiration at Blossom Costumes. We stock a diverse range of decade costumes to suit every guy and doll!

Who could forget the roaring 20s fashion?

1920s fashion is still iconic to this day, with hit movies like The Great Gatsby and Chicago bringing key vintage and art deco trends back into the 21st-century vogue.  

Women’s Roaring 20s fashion 

Women in the 1920s were becoming more empowered, which meant they were becoming more scandalous (in the eyes of 1920s folk). In the early 1900s, women wore modest clothing with dresses covering their bodies from neck to shoe. But in the roaring twenties, that modesty slowly disappeared. 

Women showed their new liberation with short glittery drop-waist dresses with slinky silhouettes to dance more freely. You’d rarely find a 20s gal on the dance floor without a string of pearls around her neck and a feather headband. 

Women during this time also began to wear darker make-up and cut their hair in bobs which was a complete contrast to the traditional flowing locks of yesteryear. This style then became known as the flapper girl.

Roaring 20s men’s fashion 

On the other hand, men’s fashion in the 1920s started modern menswear. Suits were worn every occasion, from work in the office to parties in the evening. These suits were single or double-breasted, with three or four buttons beginning above the lapels.

However, what defined men’s fashion during this period was using patterns including pinstripes, checks and plaids. In this era, the ‘barbershop quartet’ look was also created. But when you think of 1920s men’s fashion today, the image that pops into your head is probably what wealthy bootleggers and gangsters were wearing over 100 years ago. 

To this day, flapper costumes are still trendy for dress-up parties, and you’ll still catch a fella or two in a pin-stripe gangster costume on Halloween.

Bobs, finger waves and pin curls defined roaring 20s hairstyles

Another decade-defining feature of the 20s was the hair! As mentioned above, one of the most popular hairstyles to come out of the 1920s was the short, tapered bob. But for women, there was a range of different looks, including:

• The Chignon
• The Shingle 
• The Bob

Popular 1920s hairstyles for men included lots of heavy oil to slick down the hair to create a smooth, neat look. This meant that holding products (the original hair gel) was incredibly popular during this time to create styles including:

• Undercuts
• The Slick Back
• The Side Parting

Endless hats, headpieces and accessories 

Your look wouldn’t be complete without some 1920s costume accessories. Add a little something extra to your look to bring your roaring twenties character to life.

Women’s headwear

Depending on the occasion, women often wore a headpiece or hat to complete their look in the 1920s. For formal occasions, diamond hair clips and tiaras were common as well as beaded headbands with feathers. 

With Persian and Egyptian cultures influencing this time period, turban hats with large gems started gaining traction for daywear and nightwear. Cloche hats were also popular particularly at weddings, and sometimes featured a trimmed lace veil or pleated folds. 

1920s jewellery

In the 1920s, it was all about looking glamorous and flashy; this meant lots of big jewellery. Drop earrings and large stud earrings were standard, along with long beaded necklaces. Stacking thick bracelets up the arm was fashion-forward, and birthstone rings were also fashionable. But as Marilyn Monroe said, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, so chuck on some bling, and you’ll fit the part.

Handheld accessories for women

To complete your flapper girl look, you can choose from an array of accessories like a long stem cigarette holder or a lace fan to keep you cool. Or for some extra little touches, things like a feather boa, gloves or a small beaded handbag can make the look.

Men’s hats

For the men, a hat was a necessity for a 1920s outfit. Popular hats included:

• Fedoras
• Newsboy caps
• Boaters
• Homburgs
• Panamas

Extra accessories for men

To add something more to your 1920s fella look, consider wearing suspenders, a funky bow tie or gloves. If you’re looking to go the extra mile and get even more detailed with your costume, finish the look with armbands, a smoking pipe, pocket watch and cane. 

Why you should wear a Roaring 20s costume to your next do

If you’re looking for something different for your next costume party, then a 1920s look is fun, easy and can be pulled off by anyone! If you need some more convincing, here's some:

1. It’s a simple and budget-friendly costume

Trying to think of dress-up ideas for a costume party might leave you scratching your head. Boom! A 1920’s look is your go-to. Finding the pieces to pull together a flapper girl costume is simple enough, and for the men, a sharp suit will do in a pinch. Or you can get your whole costume online from us!

2. Look flashy and a little bit scandalous

You can’t go wrong with a 1920s costume. A glittery flapper dress will always photograph well, and you can build up your look with accessories like pearls and a headpiece for the ladies and a cane and fedora for the fellas. 

3. Get the whole family involved

1920s costumes don’t have an age limit, so it’s an excellent option for couples and families. Each family member can present their take on a flapper girl, gangster or bootlegger. 

So quit lollygagging and find your next 1920s costume online at Blossom Costumes. With free express shipping on orders over $30 and an enormous range of costumes to suit everyone’s taste and budget, you’ll look dapper at your next party with a 1920s costume from Blossom Costumes.