Flappers

Flappers were a generation of young Western women in the 1920s who wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptable behavior. Flappers were seen as brash for wearing excessive makeup, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, driving automobiles, and treating sex in a casual manner. These behaviors were a direct challenge to the traditional roles for women of the time, making flappers a symbol of the Roaring Twenties and the cultural shift in Western society regarding gender norms.

Origins

The term "flapper" is believed to have originated in Britain after World War I, as a slang word for a young bird flapping its wings while learning to fly. However, it was soon applied to young women who were pushing boundaries both in fashion and societal norms. The end of World War I brought a sense of freedom and independence to women, particularly in the United States and Europe, as many had undertaken jobs traditionally held by men during the war. When the men returned, women were expected to return to their traditional roles, but many did not. The flapper movement can be seen as a result of this conflict between traditional values and the desire for independence and self-expression.

Fashion

Flapper fashion was characterized by straight and loose dresses with a waistline dropped to the hips. Skirts were much shorter than in previous decades, often just below the knee, allowing for more freedom of movement that was ideal for the popular dance styles of the time, such as the Charleston. Bobbed hair was another hallmark of the flapper look, as were cloche hats, which fit snugly over the head. Accessories often included long pearl necklaces, cigarette holders, and feather boas. Makeup became more popular during this era, with flappers wearing dark eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick to accentuate their rebellious nature.

Culture

Flappers embodied a new spirit of liberation. They frequented jazz clubs and speakeasies, embracing the music and dance of the African American community, which was itself a form of rebellion against the racial norms of the era. The flapper lifestyle also included a more open attitude towards sexuality, challenging the Victorian era's strict norms. They were known to drive cars, a freedom previously reserved for men, and participate in other activities considered unconventional for women at the time.

Impact

The flapper movement had a significant impact on women's rights, leading to changes in societal attitudes and the eventual granting of the right to vote for women in the United States in 1920. While the Great Depression and the onset of World War II led to a return to more traditional roles for women, the flapper era had lasting effects on women's fashion, attitudes, and freedoms.

Legacy

Today, flappers are often romanticized as symbols of the Roaring Twenties, embodying the spirit of youth, fun, and rebellion. Their influence can still be seen in fashion, particularly in the revival of 1920s styles and trends.