7 Fashion Items From The Past That Have Undergone A Major Glow Up
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Times do change, and so does fashion. Clothing reflects not only the attitudes and tastes of that time but also the material available. However, since trends keep coming back in style, you may notice that many trends from the olden days are still popular now! Yes, even clothing items like corsets and bras have had to undergo massive transformations over the years to become what they are today. It is a different story if you like to add a vintage twist to your outfits; like bell-bottoms, oversized sunglasses, etc to personal style. If you think retro outfits only belong in music videos, think again. We’ve made a list of popular clothing from the olden days at the height of their popularity and what they look like in today’s modern era of more comfortable and lightweight clothing. Here are seven pieces of easily replicable clothing that have gone through a massive transformation since the early 1900s:
1. Corsets
In The Early 1900s:
Although corsets were first worn in the middle ages, they remained popular until the early 1900s. They were used to give women an unnaturally thin waist and were an integral part of their outfits. Sadly, they led to more health problems than benefits, and they were also extremely uncomfortable to wear. In the 1920s, after the invention of the brassiere, they went out of fashion for a while. However, they came back in style in the 1950s, and many women were spotted wearing them. These new-age corsets use hooks rather than laces to draw a woman’s waistline in.
Now:
Corsets gained in popularity once again in the early 2000s, and now, they are coming back in fashion as people try to emulate the looks. Thankfully though, modern corsets are much smaller in size, less restrictive, and shorter. Most women wear them over their t-shirts, shirts, and turtlenecks.
2. Jeans
In The 1950s:
The highly functional and thick denim pants made an appearance in the early nineteenth century. However, they were considered a working-class outfit as they were mainly worn by the blue-collar workforce. The jeans were highly durable and would not rip apart as other trousers would. They could withstand a decent amount of wear and tear. In the early 50s, heartbreakers like James Dean and Marlon Brando were often spotted wearing jeans, and they gained popularity among the youth. It was not long before popular actresses like Marilyn Monroe were spotted wearing denim jeans too (something that was once considered taboo for women).
Now:
These days jeans are a staple of everyone’s wardrobe, and you’ll rarely find folks who don’t wear them. They have also undergone massive transformations and are available in a multitude of styles. Latest post-pandemic jean trends are seeing the comeback of bootcut jeans and wide-legged denim.
3. Coats
In The 1920s:
Back in the 20s, women used to wear wide coats that had massive cuffs and fur collars. They usually picked darker shades like black, red, brown, or blue. Many women also opted for interesting geometric patterns on their coats (which would gain popularity later). As fashion trends moved forward, many women preferred opting for slimmer cuts of coats that showed off their figures a little bit more.
Now:
In 2021, minimalistic coat designs and oversized coats became more popular, and many fashion experts believe that the classic slim models will soon be making a comeback on the market. Trench coats are all the rage today as well!
4. Swimsuits
In The 1940s:
Back in the 1940s, more than being functional, swimsuits were all about aesthetics! Designers wanted to make sure that their swimsuits were not just comfortable but majorly attractive. There were plenty of different kinds of swimsuits back in those days. They ranged from princess cuts, bubble cuts, baby doll cuts, and more. If you saw swimsuits from that era today, you would think they were cute little dresses. Gorgeous actress Marilyn Monroe was often spotted in some of the popular cuts from that era.
Now:
Somewhere in the middle of the 20th century, bikinis started to make an appearance, and they were here to stay. While many of the different cuts of swimsuits are still around, bikinis remain ever-popular and much-loved by everyone.
5. Scarves
In The 1920s:
Thinner scarves were a popular accessory for women to use in that era. It started as a symbol of modesty. Although things haven’t changed that much in the past hundred years, they still deserve a mention. The way in which scarves are popularly worn has changed. In the 1920s, women used to wear scarves with their ends let loose at the back.
Now:
Scarves are used as a multi-purpose fashion accessory nowadays. Many women wear their scarves loosely around their necks or wrap them like a bandana across their heads.
6. Sunglasses
In The 1930s:
Back in the 1930s, sunglasses were rounded and remained that way well into the 40s. As time went on and things started to change, in the 60s funky glasses were spotted on folks. These groovy and cool glasses ranged from flower-shaped frames to heart-shaped ones, and we have to admit that they looked super cool.
Now:
These days it’s all about wearing the funkiest shape of sunglasses that you can find, and gender-neutral dresser, Ranveer Singh is the best example of it. The socialite is spotted in shades that range from round and square to tiny mirrored ones and more.
7. Bras
In The 1950s:
When bras were first invented in the early 1900s, they consisted of two fabrics tied together with string (not very supportive). In the 1950s, a new shape and style of bra arrived that indeed turned out to be a game-changer. This type of bra was called the “Bullet bra”. Popular actresses like Marilyn Monroe were often spotted wearing comical-looking cone-shaped bras.
Now:
The bras of the millennial and Gen Z are entirely different from bullet bras and closer in shape to the original type of bras. They are found in a variety of styles, from lace to cotton and custom lingerie.
In the past, women’s style began from a “modest” standpoint and slowly went on to denote a different class in society. Certain types of fashion accessories like pearls were associated with the elite class. But evolution has made it possible for all people of class, creed, and gender nowadays. We are certainly glad to see some of the more modern styles that have come up in the past few years. While everyone may say “old is gold”, there are certain styles that should be left in the past like large blingy leather belts. There is a stark contrast between dressing OTT (over the top) and dressing like a fashion terrorist. Do let us know which of these fashion trends went through the most dramatic overhaul in the comment section below!
