flappers

In the 1920's a new generation of women evolved, these women did the unthinkable of that time era and they smoked, drank, danced, voted, wore make-up, and cut their hair. These women were called flappers. The term flapper was created in Great Britain after World War I. This term was used for girls in their awkward stage, meaning they were not really women, but not really young girls anymore.

Author, F. Scott Fitzgerald first used the term in the United States, he created and evolved the image and the style of the flapper. Fitzgerald described the flapper as "lovely, expensive, and about nineteen." He also defined the girls to make a "flapping" noise while they would walk. Flappers had both the image and attitude.


Flappers reinvented the image of the typical woman. Almost every article of clothing was either shortened or made alighter color, so she would be more comfortable when walking. The new era of dancing required alot of movement, so the "flappers" were able to move confortably in their short clothing. The old style included "ironsides" which didn't allow much movement. But the new "step-ins" allowed the women to move freely and comfortably.