Ocean Travel Fashions and Fads

Paris Fashion Houses and Ocean Travel Culture (1880–1930)

The GG Archives’ Fashion Houses index page is an exceptional gateway into the world of Parisian couture from the late 19th century to the 1920s—an era when clothing wasn’t just fashion, but a marker of identity, class, travel, and modernity.

Through vivid period illustrations, profiles of legendary designers, and commentary that blends artistic analysis with historical context, this resource connects high fashion to the lives of passengers aboard transatlantic ocean liners.

Fashion aboard steamships and ocean liners from the 1880s to the 1930s underwent significant evolution, reflecting the broader trends of the time and the unique challenges and opportunities of sea travel.

Here's an overview of the fashion during this period:

1880s-1890s: Victorian Elegance

During the late 19th century, fashion was heavily influenced by Victorian styles characterized by corsets, bustles, and voluminous skirts for women and tailored suits with waistcoats for men. Travel attire for women included long skirts, high-collared blouses, and bonnets. At the same time, men typically wore suits accessorized with bowler hats or boaters.

1900s-1910s: Edwardian Sophistication

The early 20th century marked a shift in societal norms, which was reflected in fashion. Women's fashion featured high-waisted dresses with narrower skirts, often adorned with lace and embroidery. Men's suits became less rigid, with shorter jackets and looser trousers. Onboard, passengers of means would still dress formally for meals and social events, often changing multiple times daily.

1920s: Jazz Age Glamour

The Roaring Twenties revolutionized fashion with flapper dresses for women and suits with wider trousers and shorter jackets for men. Dropped waists, shorter hemlines, and embellishments like fringe and beads characterized women's dresses. Men's fashion embraced a casual yet elegant style with soft collars and wide-legged trousers. On ocean liners, passengers might still adhere to formal dress codes for dinner but could opt for more relaxed attire during the day.

1930s: Art Deco Elegance: The 1930s saw the rise of Art Deco influence in fashion, characterized by streamlined silhouettes and geometric patterns. Women's dresses featured bias cuts, emphasizing a slimmer, more elongated figure. Men's suits continued to evolve with double-breasted jackets and wide lapels. Travel attire became more practical and versatile, with lightweight fabrics and coordinated ensembles suitable for onboard activities. This shift in fashion not only reflected the changing times but also the practical needs of travelers.

Throughout these decades, fashion aboard steamships and ocean liners was a clear indicator of social status, with first-class passengers dressing more formally than those in lower classes. The unique challenges of travel, such as limited wardrobe space and the need for attire suitable for both onboard activities and shore excursions, also influenced fashion. Despite these challenges, fashion on these vessels remained an important aspect of the overall travel experience, showcasing the style and sophistication of the era's elite travelers.

Pronuncing French Fashion Designers. Chats on Garment Salesmanship, 1917. GGA Image ID # 218217174f