We never realize how much times have changed until we take a look back at old photos. The younger generations are typically at the forefront of change, especially when it comes to the way they look. Let’s take a look back over the last 100 years and discover just how different young people from around the world looked back in the 20th century.
1. Algeria
These Algerian teens are wearing the country’s traditional folk dresses made of vibrant hues of wool and cotton.
2. Japan
On the left, young girls dress up in their kimonos and obis. On the right, two modern girls, also known as mogas, pose in their Western-influenced outfits.
Check out these adorable Japanese boys who spent most of their free time training to become sumo wrestlers.
3. The Philippines
In the Philippines, it was all about the Maria Clara – a traditional form of dress that was heavily influenced by the Spanish. Clothing, like the items depicted in this photo, primarily consisted of dresses and accessories made of beads and flowers.
4. France
It’s no surprise young adults in France were always dressed to impress, like the young girl on the left. The guy on the right just so happens to be tennis legend Jean René Lacoste and the man behind the Lacoste tennis shirt.
5. Russia
On the left, two Russian gymnasts are dressed in the country’s popular garb from the 20th century. On the right, two boys from upper-class families pose in their school uniforms which were very similar to uniforms worn by the military.
6. The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the young people were very modest, just like the adults. Young girls wore corsets while the boys were normally in trousers and long-sleeved shirts.
7. Hungary
Hungary was divided in the 20th century following WWI. After the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the economic situation of the country had collapsed. Workers in factories went on strike, and uprising in the military was common. These photos illustrate the difference between the classes during that time period. Depending on the wealth of their parents, many young people had upbringings that were vastly different.
8. Spain
On the left are two Spanish girls, Maria-Christina and Beatrice, looking darling in their matching dresses and hairstyles. On the right is Federico García Lorca, a world-renowned poet, and playwright dressed in his finest duds. This picture was taken when he was just 16-years-old.
9. The US
On the left is Walt Disney during his teenage years, and on the right is a Native American girl from the Kiowa tribe. These two young children were born in the same country, but as you can see, they lived completely different lives right down to their choice of clothing.
African-American children headed down a dirt road to attend a Charleston, South Carolina school.
10. India
This Tamil teenager wears a traditional sari as she poses for a photo. The sari is something young Indian children wear to this day. On the right, an Indian boy is dressed to the nines in a suit jacket and matching shorts.
A photo of a Hindu boy who arrived at Ellis Island as an immigrant in the early 1900s.
