Shortlisted for the Millia Davenport Award 2006, Costume Society of America

Americans began the twentieth century standing in Europe's sartorial shadow, yet ended by outfitting the world in blue jeans, T-shirts and sneakers. How did this come about? What changes in American culture were reflected in fashion? What role did popular culture play?This important overview of American fashion in the twentieth century considers how Americans went from imitating British and French fashion to developing their own sense of style. It examines such influences on dress as class, jazz and hip hop, war, the space race, movies, television and sports. Further, the book shows how gender, psychology, advertising, public policy, shifting family values, the American design movement and expertise in mass production profoundly influenced an American style that has been exported across the globe. From New York City's Bohemians to Hollywood's stars, Twentieth-Century American Fashion reveals the continuing importance of clothing to American identity and individual experience.

Linda Welters is Professor in the Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design, University of Rhode Island. She is also the Editor-in-chief of 'Dress,' the journal of the Costume Society of America.

Patricia Cunningham is Associate Professor in the Department of Consumer and Textile Sciences, Ohio State University.