1920s Dresses

Our 1920s dresses are designed in-house and made in Britain, in the fabrics the Roaring Twenties loved: liquid rayon satin, floaty viscose georgette and, for evening, a touch of Art Deco drama. Expect drop waists, bias-cut skirts, asymmetric necklines, pin-tuck detailing and sleeves with real presence, from softly draped day-to-evening dresses to full-length gowns.

What makes a dress 1920s?

The classic 1920s dress skims the body rather than shaping it. The waist drops to the hip, the bodice is simple and straight, and the interest is in the details: pin tucks, handkerchief hems, godets and panels that move when you dance. By the end of the decade designers were bringing a little shape back with bias cutting, the bridge between the flapper dress and the fluid gowns of the 1930s. Several of our gowns sit right on that line, with a 1920s drop waist and 1930s bias panels in the same dress.

Flapper dress, evening dress or gown?

• Flapper-inspired dresses have the dropped waist and loose, dance-ready shape. Pair them with a cloche hat and long beads.
• 1920s evening dresses and gowns are cut longer and in satin, made for parties, weddings and black-tie events.
• Three-piece ensembles combine a dress, slip and kimono jacket, so one purchase makes a complete outfit.

Choosing your 1920s dress

Many of our gowns are made to order in Britain. They come in UK sizes 8 to 18, with selected styles up to 24, and our size guide will help you choose. Satin and georgette both need gentle care, so check the label and dry clean where advised. For a wedding, a 1920s-style gown makes a distinctive bridal choice, and our vintage wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses include several from this decade.

Want inspiration first? Read 1920s dresses for the modern woman, browse the full 1920s collection or our 1920s style guide. Adding a coat? See our 1920s jackets and coats.