1920s-1930s
Introduced in the late 1920s, the athletic silhouette in suits “gradually and subtly refined into the drape cut”. The athletic cut was more comfortable and less fitted to allow for movement. Previously, they were considered informal and not suitable for everyday dress on the streets. During the early 1900s, there is a shift of attidues, and the clothes that were considered informal or for sports were being worn on the streets and was considered acceptable wear. The English drape suit became popular by the late 1930s
Scholte’s distinctive V-shaped suit was developed through “discreet horizontal drapes narrowed across the shoulder blades from the roomy armholes down to the raised waistline”. This shape resembled a ‘V’, which was caused by the broad shoulders that narrowed to a tucked in waistline, which smoothed over the hips as opposed to flaring back out (like the tail coat or the frock coat that preceded it). The shoulders were not padded, looking natural, broad and masculine. The drape suit was a more comfortable, athletic alternative to the slim suits of the preceding war years and their restrictions. It had more fabric through the shoulders and chest, causing a slight drape or wrinkle. Like other suit jackets, this style could be made single or double-breasted. The pants were also cut fuller “with pleated fronts and wide legs that tapered slightly to the ankle”.
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