The tomboy style of the 1930s was more than a passing look. It was crisp, deliberate, and unmistakably modern. Cropped hair, tailored jackets, loose trousers, and button-up shirts replaced the frills and tight shapes of earlier decades. Women wore their clothes with a confident, athletic ease that spoke of independence and a refusal to be boxed into the traditional image of femininity.
Short hair was one of the most striking features. Bob cuts had made waves in the 1920s, but in the 1930s, they became sharper, cleaner, and paired with deep side parts or slicked-back finishes. Without curls or soft waves, the cut emphasized the face’s natural angles, creating a striking androgynous effect.
Clothing favored clean lines. Tailored jackets with padded shoulders gave a strong upper silhouette, often paired with straight-leg trousers or wide, high-waisted slacks. Some women preferred jodhpurs or breeches, a nod to equestrian and sporting life, while others chose cuffed men’s-style trousers. These looks were often borrowed directly from menswear but adapted for a more streamlined fit.
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Shirts were typically plain, with sharp collars and button fronts. Many wore them tucked into trousers with a narrow leather belt. For cooler days, sweaters were fitted but minimal, often in solid tones, worn over collared shirts. The emphasis was on function and movement, not ornamentation.
Footwear stayed practical. Low-heeled oxfords, brogues, and lace-up boots were common, giving the wearer an easy stride. Spike-heeled shoes had no place in this look. Accessories, when present, were understated—sometimes a flat cap, a fedora, or a simple tie worn loosely around the neck.
Photographers of the era captured the tomboy style in candid portraits, where posture told as much of the story as the clothes. Leaning against a wall with hands in pockets or standing with a casual slouch, these women presented an image that rejected stiffness. Their presence in the frame was calm yet commanding.
Outdoor settings often suited the look best. Wide streets, sunlit parks, racetracks, and rural roads became the backdrop for this new image of the modern woman. Even in studio portraits, the composition often favored minimal props and plain backdrops so that the clothing and expression dominated the shot.
