Before the 1920s, modesty was considered a highly desirable quality for a woman. But the roaring '20s wouldn't be the roaring '20s without rebellion, and women in the 1920s dared to do outrageous things like show their knees and drink alcohol.
These promiscuous women were called "flappers," and began a movement of change using their sharp dress and bold spirit, much to the dismay of traditionalists.
Here are 20 photos of "wild women" and flappers from the 1920s.
1
Flapper
Getting a Tattoo Butterfly garter belt.
2
Posing With a Cop
Los Angeles, California, 1920s.
3
Working On a Car
Late 1920s.
4
A Young Flapper
Posing by a Ford Model T, 1920s.
5
Group Photo
Showing some leg.
7
A Peerless Touring Car
San Francisco Bay Area, 1923.
8
Beach Day
Revealing bathing suits!
9
Showing some stocking.
How scandalous!
10
Posing With a Car
Late 1920s.
11
Dancing on the Edge
In high heels!
12
Dancing 'Till They Drop
At the nightclub.
14
Fancy Coat
And low rise stockings.
15
Flappers
Drinking bootleg alcohol, 1925.
16
Flappers
Rolled silk stockings; scandalous.
17
Group Pose
Fashionable dresses.
18
Knee Painting
To show independence from Victorian era morals.
19
Chinese Feminists
Marching in the 1920s against modesty.
20
The New Archatype
Flappers changed the beauty standard for pre-World War II women for good.
