For both men and women, the 1920s brought simplicity and informality in fashions. Dresses were loose and unstructured, hemlines rose - to knee length by 1927 - and the fabrics were lighter and more elegant - silk, crepe de chine, rayon. The cover-up of previous years was gone, with arms and backs often revealed, and beige stockings simulated bare legs. Small cloche hats were fashionable. Men's hemlines also rose, with plus-fours (they fell four inches below the knee and were usually tweed) becoming popular as informal daywear. Knitwear was often patterned.