12 Wild Trends From the Roaring ’20s
The 1920s were a whirlwind of change, celebration, and bold style choices. From rebellious fashion to offbeat fads, the decade left behind more than just jazz and speakeasies. These unforgettable trends show just how wild the Roaring ’20s really were.
- Tricia Quitales
- 3 min read
The Roaring ’20s were a time of energy, rebellion, and breaking social norms. After World War I, people craved excitement, and it showed in how they dressed, danced, and lived. Trend after trend pushed the limits of what was considered proper or normal. Explore 12 of the wildest trends that defined this daring decade and still fascinate us today.
1. Flappers Redefined Fashion
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Flappers shocked society with short skirts, bobbed hair, and bold makeup. They smoked in public, danced all night, and didn’t care what others thought. Their look became a symbol of freedom and rebellion.
2. Jazz Took Over the Nightlife
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Jazz music swept through cities, filling clubs with fast beats and wild energy. Musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington became stars. Dancing to jazz became the heartbeat of the ’20s.
3. Speakeasies Ruled the Party Scene
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With alcohol banned during Prohibition, hidden bars called speakeasies popped up everywhere. These secret spots became hotspots for music, dancing, and bootleg booze. Getting in often required a password or knowing the right person.
4. Flagpole Sitting Was a Fad
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People would climb flagpoles and sit on top for hours or even days to break records. What started as a stunt quickly became a national craze. Crowds would gather to cheer and see how long someone could last.
5. Dance Marathons Pushed Limits
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Couples danced for hours or even days in competitions to win cash prizes. These marathons tested stamina and often ended in pure exhaustion. Some cities even had to ban them due to health concerns.
6. Art Deco Took Over Design
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The Art Deco style featured bold shapes, bright colors, and shiny materials. It showed up in buildings, clothes, cars, and even furniture. It was modern, fresh, and perfect for a fast-moving era.
7. Men’s Fashion Got Flashy
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Men traded stiff suits for colorful bow ties, slick hair, and loose-fitting pants. The “Oxford bags” style featured pants so wide they could cover a football. It was all about standing out and looking sharp.
8. Women Wore Makeup in Public
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Before the ’20s, makeup was seen as something only performers or “loose” women wore. However, flappers changed that, making lipstick and eye shadow everyday items. Beauty routines became a proud part of modern womanhood.
9. Pet Monkeys and Other Exotic Animals
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Keeping wild animals as pets became a strange but real trend among the rich. Monkeys, raccoons, and even leopards were seen on leashes in city streets. It was all about being different and grabbing attention.
10. Slang Took Over Everyday Speech
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The ’20s brought a wave of new words like “bee’s knees,” “cat’s pajamas,” and “giggle water.” Speaking in slang was a fun way to show you were in the know, and it helped define the era’s youthful, carefree spirit.
11. Silent Films Created Celebrities
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Silent movies made stars out of actors like Charlie Chaplin and Clara Bow. Even without sound, their charm and expressions lit up screens. Movie theaters became a regular weekend event for families.
12. Short Haircuts Became a Bold Statement
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Women cutting their hair into bobs was seen as shocking at first, but the style caught on and became a symbol of freedom and new beginnings. It was more than a haircut — it was a statement of independence.