Women in the 1920s

A popular misconception about women living the 1920s is that they were all flappers. They weren’t. Most couldn’t afford the luxury of sequined dresses and the closest they got to a rackety life was sitting in the tanner seats of the local picture house clutching a box of strawberry cremes. But the Great War made everyone’s life different. Rich and poor alike had to adjust to a changed world at the same time as the loss of sons, brothers, lovers, husbands or fathers had changed them. Discover some of my research on life for British women in the 1920s.

1920's hats. Black banded. Research by Ruth Wade

Style and fashion in the 1920’s: hats
Check day dress. Stylish armchair. Fashion 1920's style.

Fashion 1920’s style

1920’s sporting fashion
1914 Cupid calls the tune. Ruth Wade

It’s a man’s world

Beneath Foul Trade
1930's photo of Dare Partners motorcycle stunt act.

Some books you just have to grow into
A writer's influences. The making of novelist Ruth Wade / BK Duncan

The melting pot
Women swapping stories at summer fete. Oral history. Research Ruth Wade

“I remember her wearing this, what a fright . . .”
1920's women. Mother reading to her children.

“It was as if every man you had ever danced with was dead.”