History's Best Selling Fashion of 1936

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1936 saw a swell surge of swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship in the world of fashion! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Aviator sunglasses and Halterneck, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Ray-Ban and Charles James proved their mettle with Aloha shirt, delivering craftsmanship that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Aviator sunglasses

   Released in 1936 by Ray-Ban, Bausch & Lomb

   The year 1936 marked a pivotal moment in eyewear history with the public release of what would become universally known as Aviator sunglasses. Originally designed by Bausch & Lomb for U.S. military pilots, these revolutionary shades quickly transitioned from a crucial piece of flight equipment to a civilian fashion phenomenon. Their immediate popularity stemmed from a potent combination of cutting-edge functionality—superior glare protection and optical clarity—and an undeniably cool, adventurous aesthetic. The design offered both practical benefits and an aspirational image, allowing wearers to associate themselves with the daring spirit of aviation heroes. This seamless blend of utility and style laid the groundwork for Aviators to become one of the best-selling and most enduring eyewear designs in history, fundamentally reshaping the consumer market for sunglasses.

2. Halterneck

   Released in 1936 by Charles James, Claire McCardell

   The halterneck emerged in the 1930s as a revolutionary silhouette that instantly captured the imagination of designers and the public alike. Its ingenious design, characterized by a strap or band encircling the neck, allowed for dramatic backless creations, a daring and elegant statement for the era. This innovative cut quickly became synonymous with sophistication and a subtle sensuality, offering an alluring alternative to traditional evening wear. From its inception, the halterneck promised both freedom and glamour, enabling women to embrace a fashion that was both chic and strikingly modern, making it an immediate success in the burgeoning world of ready-to-wear and haute couture.

3. Aloha shirt

   Released in 1936 by King-Size, Ellery Chun

   The Aloha shirt burst onto the scene in the mid-1930s from the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii, quickly becoming more than just a garment; it was a wearable declaration of island spirit. Pioneered and popularized by merchants like Ellery Chun, it capitalized on the growing desire for casual, comfortable clothing that reflected the unique cultural tapestry of the Hawaiian Islands. Its immediate success lay in its vibrant patterns, relaxed fit, and the way it effortlessly blended traditional Asian aesthetics with Western shirt styles. It offered both locals and the increasing influx of tourists a distinctive, breathable alternative to formal wear, solidifying its place as an iconic fashion piece almost from its inception, symbolizing paradise and leisure to the world.

4. Zoot suit

   Released in 1936 by Harold C. Fox Company, Harold C. Fox

   The zoot suit exploded onto the urban fashion scene in the mid-to-late 1930s, immediately capturing attention with its exaggerated proportions and bold silhouette. Originating in African American jazz clubs of Harlem and quickly embraced by diverse youth subcultures, it was less a commercial launch and more a grassroots cultural phenomenon. Its instant popularity stemmed from its defiant aesthetic, offering a stark contrast to the conservative wartime rationing and becoming a powerful visual marker of identity and non-conformity. Far from a mere garment, the zoot suit became a uniform for a generation seeking to express individuality, celebration, and even protest amidst societal pressures, making it an undeniable cultural and commercial success in its own right, despite not being a branded product.