Fashion through the Decades: 1910 to 1960 for Kids

Fashion Through the Decades: 1910 to 1960
Discover how clothing changed in America over 50 years!

Have you ever wondered what kids, moms, and dads wore 100 years ago? Let’s take a trip through time and look at how fashion changed in America from 1910 to 1960. Clothes don’t just keep us warm—they tell us a lot about how people lived, worked, and had fun!

1910s – Fancy and Formal

In the 1910s, clothes were fancy and proper. Men wore suits, even to the grocery store! Women wore long skirts and dresses with high collars and big hats decorated with feathers or flowers. Kids dressed like little adults, often in dresses or button-up shirts with suspenders. It was common for girls to wear bows in their hair and boys to wear knickerbockers (short pants).

Fun Fact: People often wore many layers, even in summer!

1920s – The Roaring Twenties

The 1920s brought big changes! This was the jazz age, and people loved to dance. Women wore shorter dresses with fringe and sparkles, called “flapper” dresses. They also wore their hair in short “bob” styles. Men wore tuxedos or striped suits with bow ties. Kids wore simpler clothes but still dressed up compared to today.

Fun Fact: Shoes with buckles and shiny details became popular.

1930s – Simple and Smart

The Great Depression hit in the 1930s, so people had to save money. Fashion became more practical. Women often sewed their own dresses from flour sacks or old fabric. Dresses had ruffles and puffed sleeves. Men wore wide pants and hats called fedoras. Boys often wore overalls, and girls wore dresses with collars.

Fun Fact: People reused fabric from old clothes to make new outfits!

1940s – Wartime Styles

During World War II, fabric was limited, so styles became even simpler. Women wore knee-length dresses and “victory rolls” in their hair. Men who weren’t in uniform wore plain suits. After the war, fashion got fancier again. Little girls wore dresses with big bows, and boys wore shirts tucked into pants with belts.

Fun Fact: Rosie the Riveter made pants popular for women working in factories.

1950s – Full Skirts and Cool Kids

In the 1950s, fashion was fun and colorful! Women wore full skirts with petticoats underneath and sweaters called “cardigans.” Men wore letterman jackets, dress shirts, and slicked-back hair. Kids wore saddle shoes, jeans, and lots of polka dots or plaid. It was also the time of poodle skirts, especially for girls at school dances!

Fun Fact: Teenagers started following their own trends for the first time!

1960s – Bold and Bright

By the 1960s, fashion was full of color and wild patterns! Women wore shift dresses and go-go boots. Men wore narrow suits or bell-bottom pants. Kids wore t-shirts, mini skirts, and bold prints. Fashion became a way to express yourself!

Fun Fact: Tie-dye shirts and peace signs became super popular by the end of the decade.

What’s Your Favorite Style?
Each decade had its own look and feel. Which one would you want to dress like? Would you wear a flapper dress from the 1920s or a poodle skirt from the 1950s? Fashion is a fun way to learn about history—and to show who you are!