The Impact of the Great Depression on Fashion

The stock market crash had a huge impact on the way people dressed in the 1930s. Many people had to give up their lavish lifestyle so people could no longer buy clothes every few months. Many women updated and remade the dresses in their closet and reused material. Patches were very popular and women tried to mend their clothes. People would only consider buying new clothes if their item of clothing was patched beyond reason. Regardless of the lack of money, women still dressed with many different colors and patterns.

Before the Depression, people would change clothes a few times a day but after the stock market crash, that custom slowly started to fade away because of the attempt to save money. People began to wear the same outfit all day long. On special occasions, however, people might wear a different outfit for evening when going out.