Fashion in early 20th-century Britain

Published: July 28, 2026 · Updated: July 28, 2026

In the first half of the 20th century British dress shed the corset and simplified: Edwardian formality gave way to the easy 1920s flapper look, and two world wars brought practical, rationed "Utility" clothing.

Fashion in early 20th-century Britain — Author: UK Board of Trade Public domain Source

Overview

War and social change drove simplification; as women entered work their clothes loosened and shortened, and wartime austerity governed dress.

Key garments and style

The Edwardian S-bend corset and large hats gave way, after the First World War, to the dropped-waist, short-skirted 1920s look and shorter hair, while menswear settled into the lounge suit. In the Second World War the government’s Utility (CC41) scheme and rationing standardised cloth-saving cuts — shorter skirts, fewer pleats, “make do and mend.”

Transition

After the war, Dior’s New Look and then a youth-driven British scene transformed fashion again.

History of this period

Britain and the World Wars 1901–1945