By 1916 over 13 million women or 12.7% of the total U.S. population was considered overweight or “stout.” In the 1920s, the term “stout.” indicated an (often matronly appearance) with generous bust, back and hip curves that did not fit with fashion s demands of the ideal stylish figure. Research related to ready-to-wear fashions for plus sized women in the 20th century is almost non-existent. The purpose of this study was to explore available ready-to-wear fashions for the plus sized woman during the years 1920-1929. To explore this topic, a historical method approach was utilized using primary sources that included The New York Times, Vogue, and Good Housekeeping. The results of this study identified prescriptive and proscriptive advice regarding appropriate clothing styles and merchandising trends marketed to plus sized women.
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2.
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3.
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4.
All black, all navy. (1922, March 15). Vogue, p. 6.
5.
A style secret between stouts. (1926, October). Good Housekeeping, p. 205.
6.
Attire for stout women: Output of it for resort season larger than ever before. (1926, November 14). New York Times, p. 48.
7.
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8.
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10.
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11.
Blouses specially designed for the full figure. (1920, October). Harper’s Bazaar, p. 133.
12.
Bright colors in a variety of fabrics are offered for the fall season. (1927, October 9). New York Times, p. 142.
13.
Brims are uneven; the cloche is still good. (1928, February). Good Housekeeping, p. 59.
14.
Cater by method to stout persons. (1918, August 11). New York Times, p. 28.
15.
Catering to the stout wear trade. (1922, August 13). New York Times, p. 41.
16.
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17.
Changed ways of selling corsets: Contrary to general impression the business in these articles is growing. (1927, April 3). New York Times, p. 51.
18.
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19.
Corset designs now shown for every figure: The combination brassiere and girdle makes its bid for approval. (1926, February 14). New York Times, p. 139.
20.
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23.
Dark colors in stout dresses. (1922, August 25). New York Times, p. 20.
24.
Distinct types of American fashions. (1920, March 15). Vogue, p. 33.
25.
“Dolly Gray.” (1927, September). Good Housekeeping, p. 233.
26.
“Down with avoirdupois!” Resounds through the White Mountains. (1913, July 27). New York Times, p. 53.
27.
Dress fashionably stout women look slender. (1923, February). Good Housekeeping, p. 127.
28.
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31.
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32.
Figures that do and do not lie. (1923, November 15). Vogue, p. 63.
33.
Fitting the flat back to the full figure. (1923, November). Vogue, pp. 45, 128.
34.
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35.
For the stouter woman. (1920, April). Good Housekeeping, p. 69.
36.
For the woman with grown daughters. (1923, July 1). Vogue, pp. 64–65.
37.
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38.
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39.
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40.
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41.
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43.
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44.
Increase in the stout-wear trade: Success met with in the attempts to make specially designed garments. (1923, February 11). New York Times, p. 45.
45.
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46.
KouesH. (1926, October). Fashions: New silhouette has movement without width in short skirts, bloused above hips-long sleeves-sumptuous fabrics-more trimming. Good Housekeeping, pp. 56, 226, 256.
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49.
Large women’s dresses. (1925, May 31). New York Times, p. 34.
50.
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51.
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52.
Mainstays of the slim silhouette. (1924, February 15). Vogue, pp. 76–77.
53.
Make stoutness becoming (1920, September). Good Housekeeping, p. 148.
54.
McCannA. W. (1919). The science of eating: How to insure stamina, endurance, vigor, strength and health in infancy, youth and age. New York, NY: George H. Doran.
55.
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56.
More sports apparel: It is now going into the wardrobes of the stout women. (1927, September 25). New York Times, p. 45.
57.
New autumn apparel for stout women. (1920, November 15). Vogue, p. 123.
58.
Odds against chic: Middle age. (1924, February 15). Vogue, pp. 72–73.
59.
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60.
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61.
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62.
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63.
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64.
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65.
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66.
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70.
Simplicity is the keynote of lingerie. (1923, December 15). Vogue, pp. 95, 114.
71.
Simplicity of line and perfection of detail mark the older woman’s wardrobe. (1924, April). Good Housekeeping, p. 65.
72.
Smart aids to slenderness. (1921, May 1). Vogue, pp. 115, 118.
73.
Smart frocks and accessories. (1923, November). Good Housekeeping, p. 49.
74.
Smart modes for older women. (1922, July 1). Vogue, p. 57.
75.
Specialized blouses for stout women. (1920, February). Harper’s Bazaar, p. 119.
76.
Stylish stout hats now. (1920, May 11). New York Times, p. 19.
77.
Stout women can now be stylish. (1917, January 14). New York Times, p. 72.
78.
Sweaters diverse and distinctive. (1923, June 15). Vogue, p. 5.
79.
The afternoon town frock. (1928, April). Good Housekeeping, p. 77.
80.
The correct use of line. (1920, March). Harper’s Bazaar, p. 164.
81.
The corset makes the figure and the figure makes the clothes. (1927, January). Good Housekeeping, pp. 62–63.
82.
The deceptively simple sports mode. (1928, December). Good Housekeeping, p. 63.
83.
The importance of the line. (1920, August 1). Vogue, p. 48.
84.
The larger woman’s problem of fit and fashion. (1926, November). Good Housekeeping, p. 210.
85.
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86.
The new costumes of odd sizes: Attractive treatments for the sleeves, skirts and waist are introduced-new ensemble styles. (1929, July 14). New York Times, p. 104.
87.
The no-longer-slim bride. (1922, April 1). Vogue, p. 60.
88.
The stout styles with the slim lines. (1920, February). Harper’s Bazaar, p. 126.
89.
The waistline. (1925, October). Good Housekeeping, p. 240.
90.
These new fall clothes. (1926, September). Good Housekeeping, p. 64.
91.
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92.
Variety the keynote of millinery show. (1926, August 1). New York Times, p. 39.
93.
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95.
Women cut weight to suit fashions. (1915, May 25). New York Times, p. 6.
96.
Youthful fashions adapted to the older and more mature figure. (1921, September). Good Housekeeping, p. 59.
