This is how women dressed in the People’s Republic of Poland. They often sewed their own costumes and invented something out of nothing

Everyday life was also very difficult due to the lack of goods in stores, where the shelves were empty. Over 40 years of intense economic, political and social changes can also be seen through the prism of fashion. Often, the clothes also chosen by women were an expression of opposition to the system and often a way to manifest their views, which were often contrary to the applicable norms. What did the fashion look like and what clothes reigned on the streets in the times of the People’s Republic of Poland? We encourage you to see the photos in the gallery.

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How did they dress in the times of the People’s Republic of Poland? Access to materials was much more difficult than it is now

In the gloomy and gray PRL, women were not afraid to experiment with their outfits. Although there was a lack of goods on store shelves, also when it comes to clothing, this is not synonymous with monotony in the fashion industry. In the first half of the 1950s, the bikini subculture emerged. In the clothes of the rebellious generation there was no shortage of bright colors, often combined as a contrast. The clothes reflected the fascination with Western fashion. The most popular clothes among women were colorful blouses, sweaters and skirts that emphasized the figure. There was also no shortage of accessories in the form of colorful scarves. while women often combed their hair in the so-called a pony tail.

PRL fashion State Archives/National Digital Archive Author of the collection: hania.baranska

After the thaw to Poland The symbol of American culture, i.e. jeans, was introduced to the clothing market. This element of the wardrobe quickly gained the reputation of being iconic and became a real must-have in the wardrobe of both men and women. Initially, some people considered it scandalous for women to dress them. The end of the 1950s is also the beginning of the increasingly popular sewing at home and converting clothes available in stores into fashionable clothes.

This is what fashion looked like in the times of the People’s Republic of Poland. It was hard to find good, branded clothes

The following years brought a revolution in women’s fashion related to the popularity of The Beatles. Many women choose styles that give them masculine shapes, e.g. dresses with pleated bottom or blouses with ruffles. On the other hand, it also began to miniskirts, or short skirts. At the turn of the 60s and 70s, the hippie style became a fashion trend. At that time, the basis of each of the wardrobes were floral shirts, bell-bottoms, loose hair, patterned scarves, torn pants with holes, as well as denim jackets. Women began to wear women’s trousers en masse. Initially as work overalls, but later also after working hours. The star who inspired and often caused a sensation with her creations was Maryla Rodowicz.

PRL fashion State Archives/National Digital Archive Author of the collection: hania.baranska

In turn, the fashion of the 1980s brought kitsch, known to this day, as well as disco-style clothing. The lack of symmetrical shapes and inharmony ruled the Polish fashion at that time. It was then that women fell in love with puff sleeves, ramone jackets with epaulettes, oversize clothes, as well as thick-soled sneakers. In the stylizations of many women, one could also see the influence of the punk subculture. An artist whose stylizations revolutionized the approach to the stage image of stars, and at the same time inscribed in the atmosphere of the era was Olga Jackowska, or Kora, who over the years has grown into a fashion icon of the 80s.