Category: History & Society
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- women
flapper, young woman known for wearing short dresses and bobbed hair and for embracing freedom from traditional societal constraints. Flappers are predominantly associated with the late 1910s and the ’20s in the United States.
A typical flapper chose dresses that were of a straight style, sleeveless, and often low-cut as well as short—about knee-length, which was rather scandalous at the time. She wore stockings, often rolled to below the knee; had a bobbed, or chin-length, hairstyle; and used cosmetics on her face in a bold manner. Her typical choices of accessories included a headband, the close-fitting cloche hat, bangle bracelets, and long strands of beads. Flappers did not adhere to the traditional social constraints and instead pushed boundaries. They engaged in activities deemed unladylike at the time, such as attending social events without chaperones, smoking and drinking in public, and being more open about discussing—as well as engaging in—sexual activity.
The term flapper had been in use long before its most ubiquitous meaning came to be of this independent young woman of the late 1910s and the ’20s (the Roaring Twenties); some trace its etymology back three or more centuries. The age of the flapper came on the heels of the primary fashion ideal for young women having been the Gibson Girl, who wore a long skirt, a corset to cinch the waist, and long hair styled in an updo. World War I (1914–18), however, helped usher in changes for women in the United States. During the war, civilian women took jobs that traditionally had been held by men, who were away serving as soldiers. As such, the women were able to experience social and economic freedom and independence. After the war ended, they had little desire to lose any of it. Furthermore, women gained the right to vote when the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified in 1920, and they continued to push for equality in all areas of life. The image of the Gibson Girl as the ideal faded, and young women embraced the flapper lifestyle, reveling in the freedom to make bold choices in their appearance and behaviour.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of cultural history, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of flappers, the iconic figures of the late 1910s and the '20s in the United States. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and a passion for unraveling the nuances of societal changes during that era.
The term "flapper" conjures images of young women challenging traditional norms, sporting short dresses, bobbed hair, and an unmistakable sense of independence. The evidence supporting this cultural shift is found in the distinctive fashion choices of flappers—a straight and sleeveless dress, often scandalously short, paired with rolled stockings below the knee. Their daring style extended to a chin-length bobbed hairstyle, bold use of cosmetics, and a unique selection of accessories such as headbands, cloche hats, bangle bracelets, and long strands of beads.
Flappers were not merely fashion rebels; they were societal trailblazers. Evidence of their rebellion against traditional constraints is seen in their activities, considered unladylike at the time. They attended social events without chaperones, publicly smoked and drank, and openly discussed and engaged in sexual activity—a stark departure from the norms of the time.
The roots of the term "flapper" stretch back centuries, revealing its evolution before reaching its most iconic meaning in the Roaring Twenties. The transition from the Gibson Girl, the previous fashion ideal characterized by long skirts, corsets, and updo hairstyles, marked a significant cultural shift. World War I played a pivotal role in reshaping societal norms, as women entered the workforce in roles traditionally held by men, experiencing newfound social and economic freedom.
The aftermath of the war solidified women's determination to maintain their newfound independence. The ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote, further fueled their pursuit of equality in all aspects of life. The decline of the Gibson Girl's image and the rise of the flapper reflected a broader societal transformation, where young women reveled in the freedom to make bold choices in both appearance and behavior.
In conclusion, the flapper phenomenon is a fascinating chapter in cultural history, marked by the convergence of fashion, societal changes, and the pursuit of women's rights. The evidence lies not only in the iconic visual elements associated with flappers but also in the broader historical context of the time, highlighting the resilience and determination of women to break free from traditional constraints.
