Topic overview
Bowler hats
Shop nowThe 20s: The golden age
A good 100 years ago, a decade began that was formative in many ways. A fast-paced time full of contradictions that lives on not only in media such as literature, film and television, but also in fashion trends such as braces, flat caps or cloche hats.
History – Once upon a time, one hundred years ago
A difficult beginning
Sparkling champagne and an unstoppable zest for life – there were no signs of this at the start of the 1920s. This is because this decade, which is so often associated with glitter and glamour, began rather less brilliantly. The effects of the First World War were pervasive. Unemployment, famine and existential fears characterised the time.
Only the introduction of a new currency and assembly line production led to an economic upswing in the middle of the decade. Jobs were created, which increased both income and purchasing power. The new mass production methods made goods available to everyone. Hats were as natural a part of everyone’s attire back then as cars are on the streets and aeroplanes are above the clouds today. Science and technical progress picked up at breakneck speed thanks to great minds like Darwin and Einstein.
Roaring Twenties – The golden age
From this point on, the rhythm of the decade was determined by the blossoming of music, dance and art, and shaped a new lifestyle. A lifestyle of freethinkers and innovators who opposed the prevailing social conventions. People celebrated with a new zest for life and freedom, enjoying jazz music and dancing the trendy Charleston or Shimmy. Women in particular often dressed in more revealing clothing and wore exciting headgear, such as glittering headbands and feathers. Radio and film became established mass media formats. In the variety shows and cinemas, people experienced the art and entertainment of provocative burlesque shows through to films by Charlie Chaplin with his signature bowler hat. Sports competitions such as boxing, football or motorsports also became a pleasure for the masses to enjoy.
However, this newfound prosperity did not reach all members of the population. Pleasure and success were predominantly enjoyed by the upper classes in the big cities. The rural population in particular reacted against the new decadent lifestyle. In addition, poverty and crime were a constant element of this roaring era. With their cigarettes and flat caps, criminals and gangs got up no good in the streets of the big cities.
From boom to bust – A beautiful but short-lived time
The end to this time was as fast-paced as the era itself had been. In 1929 the market crash on “Black Thursday” in the USA caused an economic crash around the world. The economic crisis plunged the country into poverty, causing the unemployment and therefore the crime rates to rise rapidly. The new zest for life gave way to lives full of fear and dissatisfaction, and the Roaring Twenties became a thing of the past.
Lifestyle and fashion of the age
The future is female
The 1920s gave women new freedoms. They were able to break away from the classic roles of mother and wife, and were now allowed to vote, take part in daily business life and study. Women were allowed to do more and more things that had previously been reserved for men. This was also reflected in the things they wore.
Long hair, straw boaters and corsets were a thing of the past – the modern woman had her hair in a bob, wore a trouser suit and flat shoes. She combined this with a practical cloche hat. The women of the time used their androgenous appearance to symbolise their equality with men. By night, these so-called ‘flapper girls’ took off their new attire and exchanged it for knee-length shirts or dresses, lots of makeup and the classic finger wave hairstyle. These ladies emphasised their feminine charms, which they deliberately avoided showing during the day. Freedom and independence characterised women’s new attitude towards life. Typical accessories included a cigarette holder, gloves and a colourful, decorated headband, a glittering turban or a beaded hat.
The men of the 20s
The 20s man needed to look daring and athletic. This was particularly driven by boxing, which became increasingly popular. Hair was worn short, beards were out and men always wore a hat.
The predominant image of men was also reflected in the fashion of the time. Wide, padded jackets in dark colours or a pinstriped suit gave men a masculine and casual look. Top hats had been replaced by the smaller fedora or a casual flat cap. Braces and hats were must-have items. Pulled right down over the face, they were often worn by the gangsters and criminals of the time.
Retro style: The comeback of the 20s
Successful TV series and films have brought the famous twenties back into the public eye. So it’s no wonder the styles of the Roaring Twenties are making a comeback. Because it’s not only casual suits, wide trouser legs and the bob hairstyle that are trendy again – hats are too. We will show you which looks are indispensable right now.
Casual peaked cap style
Classic caps, such as flat caps and baker boy caps, are back in vogue today. Although this style was more popular among men in the past, it is equally popular with women these days. Various colours and fabrics offer a wide range of options to suit every taste. Elegantly combined with a stylish oversized coat, these hats are real eye-catchers in the autumn.
Classic fedora style
Fedoras have made comeback after comeback over the years. However, it’s not just in the 20s that this style was particularly popular. The smaller version of the fedora, the trilby, was a trendy accessory, especially among musicians and dancers. Even today, the fedora or trilby is a great choice for any occasion. Whether casually combined with jeans and a shirt or elegantly worn with a trouser suit – this hat style gives every outfit a touch of nostalgic class.
Modern retro look: Turbans & felted hats
Elegant and stylish – shiny turbans and decorated felt hats were on trend 100 years ago. Combined in an exciting way with evening wear, they draw all eyes to you. However, this headgear style can also be styled perfectly with everyday attire and looks great with a simple polo neck jumper and blazer. Let yourself be inspired and bring the fashion of the 20s back into your wardrobe.
