Summary
The 20th century saw the most rapid and revolutionary changes in the world of fashion to date as mass production techniques were introduced and the prevalence of home-sewn clothing declined. Fashions for men, women, and children became far less restrictive—in part due to people's changing attitudes and the liberation of women from the traditional roles of homemaker and housewife. The global reach of English as the language of commerce and popular culture particularly aided the spread of Western styles, and as fashion underwent globalization, the appearance of national costumes and traditional dress declined.
Coverage includes women at work, country life, children's clothes, reshaping the body, knits and tweeds, accessories, nylon and elastic, 1950s fabrics, art to wear, retro styles, working out, high performance fabrics, and unisex fashions.