Definition of hemline

The term "hemline" originated in the 1920s, during a time when women's fashion was undergoing significant changes. During this decade, also known as the "Roaring Twenties," fashion trends in the Western world became more modern, sleek, and sophisticated. One of the most significant changes was the shortening of women's skirts. The new flapper style was far shorter than the traditional long, full skirts that were characteristic of Victorian and Edwardian dresses. This new style led to the need for a new term to describe the bottom edge of the skirt, which was now becoming the center of attention. The word "hemline" first appeared in Harper's Bazaar magazine in 1929. It was a combination of the words "hem" and "line," which referred to the bottom edge of the skirt and the line drawn at the bottom of the skirt, respectively. The term quickly gained popularity and became a cultural phenomenon during the 1920s and 1930s. The hemlines during these decades were frequently a reflection of the socioeconomic and political climate. For example, during times of uncertainty or recession, shorter hemlines became popular because they were more practical and economical, as they required less fabric. In contrast, during periods of prosperity, longer hemlines became popular as a sign of wealth and luxury. Today, the term "hemline" is still widely used in the fashion industry, and it is a testament to the power of language and its evolution over time. The word now has a broader meaning, representing any garment with a hemline, such as pants, dresses, skirts, and shorts.