During the mid-1920s, women’s dresses became shapeless cylinders slipped over the head, with no closings. The drawing is a good example of what was fashionable during that time. The beauty of the fabric was the focus, not decoration or shape.

The 1920s “Boy-Look” Shape

The look was a “boy-look” shape. Women with womanly bodies had to bind their busts to flatten them to achieve the look. There was little definition between the front and back of a dress. This bridal gown demonstrates that straight up and down look.

If you have read the 10 Wedding Ideas from Vintage Brides ebook, you would know that this dress is a Rectangle shape. You can see how this shape compares to the other bridal dress shapes in the ebook.

Both the front and back of this dress have 3 tucks on the side near the bustline, presumably for some kind of shaping.

V-Neckline

This wedding dress of ecru (cream) colored satin has a deep V-neckline in front and long straight sleeves.

Godets Make Up the Skirt

The skirt is made of triangular pieces called “godets.” You can see that the points are sewed to the long upper part of the dress, and then sewed to each other to create the fullness of the skirt. The triangle in the center-front is attached closer to the waistline than the side and back godets. Godets were used a lot during the early 1930s to add shape to a skirt or bottom of a dress.

Back of Bridal Gown

The back of this bridal gown has a very deep “V” with horizontal fabric strips. You can also see the three shaping darts at the side.

There is so little variation between the front and back that it is hard to determine which is which. This difficulty is very common with dresses from that time. I read an article about fashion curators at Kent State University Fashion Museum who had this problem when trying to display some 1920s dresses on mannequins. Luckily when I found this dress it had satin fabric flowers at the point of the front V-neckline. Those fabric flowers were in storage when this dress was photographed.

Ready for unique Bridal ideas?

If you are planning a wedding and are looking for bridal ideas, then the FREE 10 Wedding Ideas from Vintage Brides ebook can help you:

• Find your own Wedding Dress style
• Find a unique Headpiece and Veil
• Find a special Bridal Bouquet

To get your own copy of 10 Wedding Ideas from Vintage Brides ebook PDF just click the link

Want your own Historically-Inspired Wedding Gown?

Want a wedding dress in a vintage style? Let’s talk. Contact me at kayork@wowway.com.

Want to see more Vintage Brides?

If you want to find out more about American Bridal Fashions, 1900 – 1950, you can purchase the book and enjoy all the vintage bridal gowns and veils.

Like modern vintage fashions?

If you are interested in modern vintage fashions, check out The House of York on Etsy.