Introduction to black fashion
1700s
1800s
1890s
1900s

Throughout this site we will be looking at how Black Fashion has improved over the years, in times of slavery and today.

Black Fashion

By: Keishianie, Kiarra, Christany

Women Clothing (1700s)

Women in times of slavery wore consisted clothing of cotton dresses, sunbonnets, and undergarments which were made by hand and used with both summer and winter cloths (like cotton). (Square, 2021)

Men Clothing (1700s)

Men in times of slavery had worn shirts made of Osnaburg which is unbleached coarse linen. And stockings which were usually handmade on the plantation. They also wore plain unblackened leather shoes without buckles.

Sunbonnets

Slave Women wore sunbonnets as a source of both hygiene for the Master and protection from the sun.

Osnaburg Shirts

Slave men mostly wore this type of fabric because it was widely known and available. But it was also cheap and very accessible.

1800s Fashion

In this year slaves had better access to clothing. Most house slaves wore clothing that symbolized theirs Masters wealth. Sometimes men even wore wigs and imported clothing, but this was only available to the extremely wealthy slave owners. The women wore bonnets, and long dresses with aprons.

1890s Fashion

After the abolishment of slavery of course, African Americans were able to dress more like White men and Women, women wearing high buttoned up collars on dresses. Nothing was allowed to show just like the standards that were expected of white women. While men wore knee- length frock coats, and suits.

Women Clothing (1910)

Clothing that was most popular among both black and white women this year were long gowns and sleek straight hair. It was considered stylish as they also wore elbow length gloves or long sleeves.

Men Clothing (1910)

Men were mostly known to wear crisp shirts, high collars and bold stripes/ solid colors. They also wore suits and had well groomed hair, while their jackets were long, and their pants were turned up at the cuffs.

The Roaring Twenties

Now in this year, the 1920s is when The Fashion Industry made a big step, introducing flappers, music, and better fashion of course.

Womens Clothing (1920s)

Battling for equal rights, Black women were finally able to dress equally among White women, wearing higher hemlines which was considered rebellious. They also wore dresses that fell just below the knees, colorful patterns and lower cut necklines. Not only were women's clothing changing, they were also beginning to express themselves through what they wore.

Mens Clothing (1920s)

Black men typically wore suits, but now with many different patterns to be considered as well as having bigger lapels and high rise cuffed trousers.

Mens Clothing (1930s)

Zoot suits were very popular among African American men, As well as watch chains, wide legged pants with a high waist and longer coat made many signature looks. It's even mentioned in Malcolm X autobiography as being a flashy style.

Womens Clothing (1940s)

Not only has style improved, but makeup was also coming into play and being introduced. Even though it was limited towards Black Women, style was still an uproar, upgrading to belted dresses, shoulder pads, saddle shoes and pants (only to women who worked in factories).

(1950s) In this year The Civil Rights movement was present, and during this time African American men and women began dressing in their own way known to their culture. Having their hair out in curls or Afro's, wearing colorful clothing and patterns and making a huge impact on society, naturally owning the slogan, "Black is Beautiful".

Womens Clothing (1960s)

In this year Black Women wore tailored skirts, stiletto heeled boots, and suits with short jackets and oversized buttons. For evening wear full skirted evening gowns were worn with low necklines and a close- fitting waist.

Men Clothing (1960s)

Men wore clothing such as baggy shirts and felt hats, as well as black suits and thin ties. Tie dye, loose fitting shirts and velvet vests were also quite popular in this year.

The 1970s

This year not only was Disco music a blast but so was its fashion. Fringe and bell bottoms were very popular, being popularized by Jimi Hendrix, vests, jean jackets, and silk shirts were very trendy items.

1980s Fashion

This became the year, in which fanny packs, puffy jackets and brightly colored clothes were very popularized. Accessories like big earrings, scrunchies and big hair was also known and loved. This was also the year the afro was in style.

Fashion in the 90s

This was fashion at its peak, introducing long braids to African American women, flat tops and backwards hats for men and much more. Bandanas, and wallets chains peeking out of baggy jeans were also very popular, as well as bandanas which were considered a symbol of gang members or hip hop artists you aligned yourself with. Portable music items were also popular such as the boom box or walkmen.

How it impacts society today.

Even today street wear is still present and popular, because of Black culture. It became a success not only because of music but also rappers such as Tupac, Snoop Dog, Aaliyah, Ice Cube and many more. Even popular shows and movies such as Boyz N the Hood, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air displayed streetwear fashion. But yet African Americans have never received their credit for popularizing these trends, such as bucket hats, large hoop earrings, oversized clothing, sneaker culture, and many others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhZeqNvu4Ok

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Introduction to black fashion