Have you ever thought about how American fashion became what it is today? From long skirts to blue jeans, from haute couture to casual wear, fashion in the U.S. has changed with time, war, and culture.
If you’re curious about style, you’re not alone. Many young women, working women, and fashion fans wonder how trends began.
This article is your guide to the history of American fashion, covering:
- Early European influence
- Fashion during World War II
- Rise of New York as a style leader
- Impact of top American designers
Read on to explore how fashion shaped—and still shapes—American culture.
- 1. History of American Fashion in the Early Years
- 2. History of American Fashion during World War II
- 3. History of American Fashion in the 20th Century
- 4. History of American Fashion and the Rise of New York
- 5. Key Designers Who Shaped the History of American Fashion
- History of American Fashion: The Recap
- FAQs
1. History of American Fashion in the Early Years
European Influence on American Fashion
In the 17th and 18th centuries, American fashion followed European styles. Colonists copied the Parisian style worn by the wealthy in Europe. These trends were spread through department store catalogs and fashion magazines.
American women wore long dresses with tight girdles and full skirts. Men’s shirts often had suit lapels and bow-tie neckwear.
However, over time, the fashion industry in the U.S. started to shift. As part of the evolving history of American fashion, American designers began shaping their own trends.
These styles reflected American culture and daily life, with a more practical approach than haute couture in Europe. The newly established standard focused on comfort and function.
19th Century Fashion Trends
In the 19th century, fashion in America grew more independent. Working women and suburban housewives wore clothes that allowed movement. Women’s fashion included knitwear and ankle-length skirts. Some styles, like mid-calf length dresses, became popular among young women.
Young boys wore short knee pants, and men’s fashion included bow ties and two-toned shoes. Casual wear became common, especially with the rise of jeans as a wardrobe staple.
During this period, the history of American fashion began to show a profound influence on global fashion trends, helping to build a base for the trendy fashion era.
2. History of American Fashion during World War II
WWII’s Impact on Fashion
World War II had a strong effect on American fashion. Due to fabric limits during the Second World War, clothing became simpler and more practical. Women’s fashion featured straight lines, shoulder pads, and tight-fitting skirts that reached mid-calf.
American women, including working professional women, wore suits with white collar blouses and suit lapels.
With many men at war, more women entered factories and offices. This change pushed fashion trends toward function. Knit sweaters, casual button-down shirts, and chunky sweaters became common.
In the History of American Fashion, this era marked a shift as designers focused on styles that used less fabric but preserved feminine beauty.
The war also limited Paris fashions, giving American designers a chance to shine. Women’s wear daily highlighted local talent. This time helped set a freshly established benchmark for the American fashion world. Fashion in the U.S. gained power, creating its fashion trends apart from Europe.
See Also 60s African American Fashion
3. History of American Fashion in the 20th Century
20th Century Fashion Trends
During the 20th century, American fashion went through many changes. In the early decades, suburban wives wore ankle-length skirts, knit sweaters, and tight girdles. By the 1920s, young women began wearing short dresses, often reaching mid-calf, and cut their hair short.
The fashion business grew fast, with department stores playing a major role in spreading new fashion trends.
In the 1940s, fashion adapted to the Second Great War needs. Clothing used less fabric, and styles became more practical. After the war, fashion designer names became more popular.
The 1960s brought bold patterns, hot pinks, and tight-fitting shorts. Figure-hugging crop tops and belly shirts were popular among young women.
Blue jeans and casual clothing became an essential clothing item for both genders. Zoot suits, shoulder pads, leather jackets, and low-rise jeans also marked the changing style of U.S culture.
Global Influence of American Fashion
By the mid-20th century, American fashion had a deep impact around the world. During the Second World War, limited access to Parisian style gave American designers more visibility. Women’s Wear Daily helped launch many American designers to fame.
As the civil rights movement and political movements grew, clothing began to reflect social change. In the history of American fashion, this period marked a turning point as working women and career women sought styles that expressed power and freedom.
This led to a masculine edge in some clothing, including suit edges and sharp lines.
U.S. style trends became known for their mix of style and function. From chunky sweaters to two-toned shoes and bowknot ties, fashion reflected life in the U.S. The newly created norm of current trendy styles came from this era.
By the end of the twentieth century, Fashion in America had its own identity and global reach.
4. History of American Fashion and the Rise of New York
New York as a Fashion Capital
New York became the center of American fashion during the twentieth century. After World War II, many American designers gained fame due to limited access to Paris fashions. Women’s Wear Daily helped promote local talent, and the clothing industry in New York grew fast.
Department stores in the city played a big role in setting clothing trends for the rest of the country.
New York was home to top fashion designers and became known for both haute couture and casual attire. In the History of American Fashion it reflected American culture and the modern woman.
Young women working in jobs looked to New York for styles that balanced power and feminine beauty.
Evening Gown Trends
Evening gown designs also changed in New York. In previous decades, gowns were formal and followed Paris fashions. In the following decade, American fashion took its own path.
Ball gowns became more fitted, often featuring tight-fitting cuts and crystal beads. These dresses showed a mix of elegance and up-to-date fashion.
American designers focused on styles that fit different body size norms. In the history of American fashion, tight-fitting evening gowns with a bold look became common. Some had hot pinks, forest green, or other striking patterns. These designs became a recent standard in women’s style.
As fashion trends changed, more women preferred gowns that reflected their own right to choose comfort and beauty.
Nighttime gown styles showed both classic and modern looks. The rise of New York helped shape the global view of American apparel. By then, New York was not just a city—it was a true fashion capital.
See Also Modern French Fashion
5. Key Designers Who Shaped the History of American Fashion
Many American designers helped shape the fashion industry with styles that reflected U.S culture, modern fashion, and the needs of employed women. Their work had a profound influence on both national and global fashion trends.
Below are key names who left a lasting mark:
- Ralph Lauren – Known for creating classic casual wear, such as polo shirts and blue jeans, that became a wardrobe staple.
- Donna Karan – Designed clothing for working professionals in business, mixing comfort with a sleek, modern woman’s look.
- Calvin Klein – Introduced bold patterns and tight-fitting styles, including low-rise jeans and figure-hugging crop tops.
- Halston – Became famous in the 1970s for minimal, tight-fitting evening gowns and clean lines.
- Tommy Hilfiger – Popularized all-American style trends with casual button-down shirts and leather jackets.
- Claire McCardell – Helped define American fashion in the twentieth century with functional, ready-to-wear styles.
- Bill Blass – Known for elegant, tailored ladies’ fashion that appealed to suburban housewives and professional women alike.
- Marc Jacobs – Mixed street style with haute couture, helping define fashion for young American women in the same era.
In the history of American fashion, these American designers set a newly established standard in fashion through different decades.
History of American Fashion: The Recap
The history of American fashion shows how clothing in the U.S. changed with time, war, and culture. From early European styles to strong local trends, fashion in America built its own identity.
World War II pushed the fashion industry to focus on simple and smart styles, helping American designers gain more space. The twentieth century brought big changes, including bold patterns, blue jeans, and new ideas of feminine beauty.
New York became a major fashion capital, home to designers who shaped modern fashion for young women, working women, and women alike. Evening gown styles, casual wear, and even leather jackets reflected changes in American culture and body size norms.
Fashion in the U.S. now mixes comfort, strength, and style. Thanks to designers like Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Calvin Klein, American fashion trends have a global voice. These changes made fashion a key part of American life.