Gabrielle "CoCo" Chanel introduced jersey suits in May 1916. A jersey is a soft and elasticated knit that was used for undergarments before she introduced her suits because its appearance and its weave were difficult to handle. Because of war time circumstances, Chanel adopted a jersey as couture fabric. The suits eliminated the waistline, and had a simplified elegance. For the first time in women's fashion, women showed their bare ankles in the streets. People were surprised by the new style, but the revolutionary use of jersey was successful.
