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| The feminine silhouette of the 1930s illustrated a return to a more natural bust and waist. Bias-cut fabrics enhanced the natural line of the body and exposed curves not seen in decades. The cropped dress length coincided with the stock market crash of 1929, as though in response to economic influences. Perhaps to escape mounting political woes, Hollywood fashions became every woman's ideal, epitomized by the slinky silhouettes of Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford. Printed fabric, particularly the Egyptian motif, became popular as the Art Deco movement gained momentum. The introduction of rayon as an affordable alternative to silk, and the increased production of ready-to-wear fashions eased the effects of economic depression. Dances like the samba and rumba demanded more flexible undergarments and hastened the demand for elastic fabrics. Underwear continued to modify with fashion, as chemise and petticoat gave rise to slip and panty or step-in.
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L: Silk Satin. c. 1930. Museum of the Rockies Collection.
R: Silk crepe, plastic buttons and buckle. c. 1935. Museum of the Rockies Collection.
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L: Step-in panty. Silk crepe, cotton Valenciennes lace. c. 1930. Courtesy of The Collection of The University of Montana, Department of Drama and Dance.
R: Slip. Silk crepe, cotton Valenciennes lace. c. 1930.Courtesy of The Collection of The University of Montana, Department of Drama and Dance.
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