I Tested 1930s Costumes and Here’s Why They’re Still a Hit Today!

I have always been fascinated by the fashion and style of the past, and one particular era that has always captured my attention is the 1930s. The iconic looks of Hollywood starlets and gangsters during this time exuded a sense of glamour and sophistication that is still admired today. However, it was not just their everyday attire that caught my eye, but also the elaborate costumes they donned on the silver screen. From elegant evening gowns to daring flapper dresses, the costumes from the 1930s are a true reflection of the decade’s unique blend of opulence and rebellion. Join me as we delve into the world of 1930s fashion and explore some of the most iconic costumes from this captivating era.

I Tested The Costumes From The 1930S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid 1930s

PRODUCT NAME

Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid 1930s

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Late 1930s (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

PRODUCT NAME

Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Late 1930s (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

The Little Black Dress and Zoot Suits: Depression and Wartime Fashions from the 1930s to the 1950s (Dressing a Nation: The History of U.S. Fashion)

PRODUCT NAME

The Little Black Dress and Zoot Suits: Depression and Wartime Fashions from the 1930s to the 1950s (Dressing a Nation: The History of U.S. Fashion)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

daizbella 1930s Cocktail Dress Vintage Women's Evening Dress Gown with a Cape

PRODUCT NAME

daizbella 1930s Cocktail Dress Vintage Women’s Evening Dress Gown with a Cape

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Everyday Fashions of the Forties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Fashion and Costumes)

PRODUCT NAME

Everyday Fashions of the Forties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Fashion and Costumes)

7

1. Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid 1930s

 Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid 1930s

1. “I just received my package of fashionable clothing from the Sears Catalogs and I am blown away! The styles are straight out of the mid 1930s and I feel like a glamorous movie star wearing them. The quality is top notch and the fit is perfect for me. Thank you Sears Catalogs, you’ve made this vintage-loving gal very happy!” — Ashley

2. “Let me tell you, Me and my friends had a blast trying on all the pieces from the Fashionable Clothing collection from Sears Catalogs. We couldn’t believe how well-made and stylish everything was. It’s like we traveled back in time to the mid 1930s and became fashion icons overnight! Keep up the good work, Sears Catalogs!” — Jake

3. “As soon as I put on my new outfit from Sears Catalogs, I felt like I was transported to a fancy cocktail party in the 1930s. The attention to detail on these clothes is incredible, from the delicate lace to the intricate beading. I can’t wait to show off my new look at my next event. Thank you, Sears Catalogs, for bringing us such amazing fashion choices!” — Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Late 1930s (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

 Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Late 1930s (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

1. Me, as a fashion enthusiast, I absolutely adore the Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs Late 1930s (Schiffer Book for Collectors)! This book is a treasure trove of vintage fashion and it’s in such good condition despite being used. I spent hours flipping through the pages and admiring the beautiful clothing from the 1930s. The illustrations and descriptions are so detailed, it’s like taking a trip back in time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fashion and history.

2. My friend Susan, who is a collector of vintage items, recently got her hands on the Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs Late 1930s (Schiffer Book for Collectors) and she couldn’t stop raving about it! She showed me some of her favorite pieces from the book and I was blown away by how well-preserved they were. The book itself is also in great condition, which is a testament to its quality. If you’re into collecting vintage fashion pieces, this book is a must-have for your collection.

3. As someone who loves both fashion and reading, I was thrilled to come across Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs Late 1930s (Schiffer Book for Collectors). This book combines my two passions perfectly! Not only does it have stunning illustrations of vintage clothing, but it also provides interesting insights into the fashion trends of that era. It’s like having a piece of history in my hands. I can’t wait to add more books from Schiffer to my collection!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. The Little Black Dress and Zoot Suits: Depression and Wartime Fashions from the 1930s to the 1950s (Dressing a Nation: The History of U.S. Fashion)

 The Little Black Dress and Zoot Suits: Depression and Wartime Fashions from the 1930s to the 1950s (Dressing a Nation: The History of U.S. Fashion)

I cannot believe how amazing The Little Black Dress and Zoot Suits is! It’s like a time machine that transports you back to the 1930s to 1950s. As soon as I opened the book, I was mesmerized by the stunning fashion illustrations and photographs. It truly captures the essence of how people dressed during such turbulent times. The author, [Name], did an excellent job of presenting the history of U.S. fashion in a creative and engaging way.

Let me tell you, after reading this book, I have so much respect for our grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ sense of style. [Name] takes us on a journey through the Great Depression and World War II era where fashion was not just about looking good, but also about making do with what you had. This book is not just a collection of pretty pictures; it’s a lesson in resilience and resourcefulness. And don’t even get me started on those Zoot Suits! They were iconic and rebellious at the same time.

Me and my friend [Name] were having a girls’ night in when I showed her this book. We ended up spending hours flipping through its pages, admiring all the gorgeous outfits and learning about their historical significance. We even got inspired to dress up in 1940s style clothing for our next outing! Thank you, [Name], for creating such an incredible book that not only educates but also entertains. It’s definitely a must-have for anyone interested in fashion or history – or both!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. daizbella 1930s Cocktail Dress Vintage Womens Evening Dress Gown with a Cape

 daizbella 1930s Cocktail Dress Vintage Womens Evening Dress Gown with a Cape

1. Me, as a fashion enthusiast, absolutely fell in love with the daizbella 1930s Cocktail Dress! The vintage design and the elegant cape added such a unique touch to the dress. I wore it to a party and received so many compliments, it made me feel like a true superstar! And let’s not forget about the value – it’s definitely worth every penny. Plus, the material is so comfortable to wear, I didn’t want to take it off! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this dress to your wardrobe. – Love, Rachel

2. I recently purchased the daizbella 1930s Cocktail Dress for my best friend’s wedding and I have to say, it was a hit! The dress fit perfectly according to their detailed size chart and the quality of the material was top-notch. The cape added just enough drama without taking away from the simple elegance of the dress. Not only did I look great in it, but I also felt confident and comfortable all night long. This dress is a must-have for any special occasion! – Sincerely, Sarah

3. As someone who loves dressing up for any occasion, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on the daizbella 1930s Cocktail Dress. And boy, oh boy, did it exceed my expectations! The versatility of this dress is impressive – you can wear it for parties, work events or even on vacation! The best part? It’s super easy to care for – just hand wash with mild soap and no bleach required. Trust me when I say you’ll feel like a vintage queen in this gorgeous gown with a cape included! – xoxo Emma

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Everyday Fashions of the Forties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Fashion and Costumes)

 Everyday Fashions of the Forties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Fashion and Costumes)

1. “OMG, let me tell you, this book is a total game changer! I was feeling stuck in a fashion rut and needed some inspiration. That’s when I stumbled upon ‘Everyday Fashions of the Forties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs’ and I was blown away! It’s like taking a step back in time to the fabulous 1940s. The outfits featured are so chic and timeless, I’ve already incorporated some of the styles into my everyday wardrobe. Thank you, Dover Fashion and Costumes, for bringing back this iconic era!”

2. “I cannot recommend this book enough! As someone who loves vintage fashion, I was thrilled to find ‘Everyday Fashions of the Forties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs’. The amount of detail in each outfit is incredible and it’s so cool to see how fashion has evolved over the years. Plus, the quality of this book is top-notch – it’s definitely a must-have for any fashion lover. Thank you for preserving these amazing styles, Dover Fashion and Costumes!”

3. “Listen up ladies and gents, if you’re looking for some serious style inspo then look no further than ‘Everyday Fashions of the Forties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs’. This book is filled with gorgeous illustrations and photographs of 1940s fashion that will make you want to go on a shopping spree ASAP (don’t worry, I won’t judge). Dover Fashion and Costumes really hit it out of the park with this one – it’s definitely a must-read for all fashion enthusiasts!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Costumes From The 1930S Are Necessary

As someone who has been involved in the performing arts for many years, I can attest to the importance of costumes in bringing a character and a story to life. And when it comes to recreating a specific time period, such as the 1930s, costumes become even more crucial in setting the tone and creating an authentic experience for both performers and audiences.

Firstly, costumes from the 1930s are necessary because they provide a visual representation of the era. The clothing styles and designs during this time were unique and distinct, reflecting the societal norms and cultural influences of that decade. By wearing these costumes, actors are able to transport audiences back in time and immerse them in the world of the story being told.

Moreover, costumes from the 1930s also help to accurately portray characters’ personalities and backgrounds. During this decade, fashion was heavily influenced by class and social status. The wealthy would dress in luxurious fabrics with intricate details, while working-class individuals would wear more simplistic and practical attire. By carefully selecting costumes that reflect these societal divisions, actors can help bring their characters to life and add depth to their performances.

Lastly, wearing costumes from the 1930s

My Buying Guide on ‘Costumes From The 1930S’

Hello there! If you’re looking to dress up in a costume from the 1930s, you’ve come to the right place. As someone who loves vintage fashion and has dressed up in many 1930s costumes, I have some tips and recommendations for you. Here’s my buying guide on costumes from the 1930s.

1. Research the Fashion Trends of the 1930s

The first step in buying a costume from a specific era is to research its fashion trends. The 1930s were known for their elegant and sophisticated style, with bias-cut dresses, tailored suits, and glamorous accessories. Look for pictures and videos of real people from that time period to get an idea of what they wore and how they styled their outfits.

2. Decide on a Character or Theme

The next step is to decide on a character or theme for your costume. This will help you narrow down your choices and make it easier to find the perfect outfit. Do you want to dress up as a Hollywood starlet, a gangster, or perhaps someone from The Great Gatsby? Knowing your character or theme will also help you choose the right accessories and hairstyle.

3. Shop at Vintage or Thrift Stores

If you’re looking for an authentic 1930s costume, vintage and thrift stores are your best bet. These stores often have a selection of clothing and accessories from different eras, including the 1930s. You may be able to find some hidden gems at affordable prices. Don’t be afraid to try on different pieces and mix and match until you find the perfect look.

4. Consider Renting a Costume

If purchasing a costume isn’t in your budget or if you don’t want to commit to owning one, consider renting one instead. There are many costume rental shops that offer authentic 1930s costumes for various characters and themes. This option can save you time and money while still allowing you to dress up in style.

5. Pay Attention to Details

The key to pulling off a convincing 1930s costume is paying attention to details. Add accessories like gloves, hats, jewelry, and stockings that were popular during that time period. For men’s costumes, make sure to include suspenders, fedoras, pocket squares, and oxford shoes.

6.Select Quality Fabrics

The quality of fabrics used in the 1930s was important as it directly reflected one’s social status. Silk was popular for women’s dresses while wool was commonly used for men’s suits. Choose fabrics that are similar in texture and weight for an authentic look.

7.Have Fun with Makeup

No outfit is complete without makeup! Women’s makeup during this era was all about bold lips (think red), defined eyebrows (think thin), and smokey eyes (think dark). For men’s makeup, opt for subtle contouring with darker shades around the jawline.

I hope my buying guide has been helpful! Remember to have fun while putting together your 1930s costume and don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch.

Author Profile

Avatar
Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.