How Barrow fashions changed throughout the early 20th century

Due to limited means of transport, the opening of a new hall or work outing in the town was a big event.

As such, people dressed a lot more formally for the occasion.

READ MORE: Barrow's shops of the past before supermarkets and retail parks

As the decades go on in the archive, it is evident that as it approaches the 1950s, clothes became much more casual for men and women.

Hats were still very much a marker for a special event, however.

We took a look at some of the fashions on display in the town from 1900s to the 1950s.

1900 - 1909

A large crowd of women in ornate blouses, corsets, long skirts and dresses can be seen at the opening of King's Hall Wesleyan Methodist Mission 

Many big hats are on display with several of them being ornately floral and children wear white smocks.

Men wear dark suits with caps with bowler hats - one homburg and one boater.

1910 - 1919

A group portrait of 52 gentlemen, known as the Broad Street Travellers.

The seemingly formal setting shows 30 people standing, 12 seated on chairs and 10 on the ground, however this is actually the group of men having fun on an outing. 

Showing a relaxed demeanour for the early 20th century, they have taken their hats off and are smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes.

The opening of the new Salvation Army Hall in 1910 in Abbey Road, shows just how big an opening in the town was as people, adorning their best in hats, can also be seen in the gallery crowding into the entrance and doorway.

1920 - 1929

The roaring 20s saw many galas and Barrow was no exception.

A group of glamorous women are pictured seated next to the bowling green at Rampside Gala in 1924 and another image shows more people in their Sunday best.

Another stunning portrait also shows how people dressed with as much glitz to private events in this decade.

Three dozen well-dressed ladies can be seen posing in a back garden on Fairfield Lane in 1924.

1930 - 1939

A work outing for Moxons Electricals shows employees doing a great job of representing their company.

A group image of young men and women stand in front of their shop dressed very smartly.

There are ten men in total and two women, all with a 1930s style. 

1940 - 1949

A simple photo of women talking on the street corner shows the fashions of the 1940s well with fur stoles and long overcoats.

The trends of this period can also be seen in Hetherington's shop which offered corsets, skirts and blouses for sale.

Its beautiful window display of PEX Nylons sold popular hosiery for the women of the 1940s. 

1950 - 1959

By 1956, much more casual fashions can be witnessed as two men pose beside a Westmorland-registered Singer Gazelle car with a silver trophy on the bonnet.

The men are wearing sandals and unlike the previous decades, show a distinct lack of moustaches.