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Vintage Dancer | 1930s Fashion History | 1930s Plus Size, Curvy, Mature Fashion Inspiration

1930s Plus Size, Curvy, Mature Fashion Inspiration

1930s Fashion History

6 May 2019

Looking at 1930s fashion illustrations or the leading ladies of the silver screen, one might question if there were women in “my size.” The ideal figure was tall and lean, as it was in the 1920s, but now with a defined upper waist and a small-medium size bust. Fashion illustrations emphasized these lines in unrealistic proportions. Women were drawn 3-4 times taller than her width, which would be physically impossible. Comparing illustrations to photographs of a woman in the 1930s, we can see major differences in how fashions realistically fit women of all sizes and ages.

Were there 1930s plus size fashions? Yes! Were there fashions for mature women? Yes? Short, tall, curvy? Yes, yes, yes! I have collected the following illustrations and photographs of women from average to “stout” sizes, young to old, and everything in between. I hope you find them inspiring to make or buy a 1930s wardrobe for yourself.

1930s Plus Size House Dresses

The simple house dress was identical for all ages and sizes. Small colorful prints in the wrap style Hooverette or the button down shirtwaist dress in dots or stripes dominated home fashions in the ’30s.  The fit was loose and untailored, with an optional self-belt.

1930s Sisters wearing house dresses and aprons (glasses too.) Plus size womens clothing
Sisters wearing house dresses and aprons (glasses too.)
1930s Mother and daughter wearing flour sack? dresses or similar cotton printed material
Mother and daughter wearing flour sack? dresses or similar cotton printed material. Early 30s.
1937 house dresses - wrap or shirtwaist for plus size women
1937 house dresses – wrap or shirtwaist

1935 the striped house dress in the middle was very popular for average and plus size women
1935 the striped house dress in the middle was very popular
1930s Young plus size / stout size ladies in lovely plaid and dot print day dresses
Young stout size ladies in lovely plaid and dot print day dresses

1930s Day Dresses

While many house dresses were worn out and about for shopping and visiting neighbors, it was more common for women to put on a day dress that featured a little more tailoring in the waist, bigger collars and trim around the neck, a belt, and richer fabrics. Women were more likely to wear a corset when going out, but not everyone did.

1934 fall and winter plus size dresses
1934 fall and winter dresses
1930s plus size Polka Dot Day Dress
Polka Dot Day Dress
1930s plus size Floral print unbelted shopping dress
Floral print unbelted shopping dress

1930s plus size fashion summer shirtwaist and floral dresses
1930s Summer shirtwaist and floral dresses
1937 knit dress ensemble plus size woman
1937 knit dress ensemble
1930s Fall dress with interesting collar and belt
Fall dress with interesting collar and belt

1930s plus size day dress fashion. Prints were in! Stripes, windowpane and florals.
Prints were in! Stripes, windowpane and florals.
1934 shopping outfits 1930s women plus size
1934 shopping outfits
1938 fancy afternoon dresses with long sleeves
1938 fancy afternoon dresses with long sleeves

1930s Suits and Separates

Another going out option was to wear a 2 or 3 piece suit or ensemble of blouse, skirt, and matching jacket.  Some dresses were sold with matching waist length jackets. Sporty knit ensembles had matching skirts and cardigans with a contrasting knit top.

1933 suits and separates for plus size women
1933 suits and separates
1937 skirt, blouse and jacket set 1930s plus size fashion
1937 skirt, blouse and jacket set
1938 a matching jacket with the back dress and long bishop sleeves for the front dress
1938 a matching jacket with the back dress and long bishop sleeves for the front dress

1930s Party, Tea and Evening Dresses

Light and airy floral prints were a big deal in the 1930s. In the 1920s, stout women were told to avoid anything with ruffles or movement, but in the 1930s they were to embrace them. Likewise, evening dress materials continued to favor draped velvets and soft satins as long as they did not cling to the body. The cape top or flutter sleeve, as well as long sleeves, provided the coverage many women desired and the modestly dictated by current fashions.

1938 Bessie Smith was famous for her voice and fashion for full figured ladies
1938 Bessie Smith was famous for her voice and fashion for full figured ladies
1932 plus size sheer florals and satin long sleeves dresses for fall/winter evenings
1932 sheer floral and satin long sleeves dresses for fall/winter evenings
1937 cheer embroidered dresses were the perfect summer tea dresses plus sizes
1937 sheer embroidered dresses were the perfect summer tea dresses

1934 evening and fancy afternoon dresses
1930s White floral print party dress
White floral print party dress
1937 elegant afternoon frock plus size 1930s fashion
1937 elegant afternoon frock

1930s Casual Fashion

Finding images of average to plus size ladies in casual /summer/pant outfits proved rather difficult. Retailers were not making them, so most women had to sew fun beach pajamas and knit swimsuits for themselves. Shop beach pajamas here.

Wide leg beach pants and striped tank top 1930s
Wide leg beach pants and striped tank top
Homemade beach pajamas 1930s
Homemade beach pajamas
Rockin my House of Foxy beach pajama set 1930s
My House of Foxy beach pajama set

1930s Mature Women’s Fashion

Age had little to do with fashion in the 1930s. “Gracious ladies” were encouraged to wear the latest trends instead of wearing older styles (the 1920s drop waist look was not loved by mature women). Instead, silver-haired women sported the same modest dresses, fancy hats, and accessories their daughters wore. Having grown up in the late Victorian era, they were more used to fancy dresses, lace, feathers, and big hats. 1930s fashion gave them all of these again.

1938 July 4th celebration meant wearing their best. Mrs mature, womans, old ladies fashion 1930s

1938 July 4th celebration meant wearing their best

1930s Knit Dress
1930s Knit Dress
Mother and daughter in casual outfits
Mother and daughter in casual outfits
Mature woman in a new dress with long pearls and a parasol
Mature woman in a new dress with long pearls and a parasol

1938 "Gracious ladies" love their Sears dresses . Mrs or mature women's fashion in the 1930s.
1938 “Gracious ladies” love their Sears dresses
1930s Flutter sleeve blouse and skirt make this simple farmer's wife day outfit
Flutter sleeve blouse and skirt make this simple farmer’s wife day outfit
1937 hat and bag for mature women
1937 hat and bag for mature women

This and That

A few more pictures of clothing and lingerie to complete out your 1930s wardrobe.

1932 nude stockings for "extra size" legs plus size fashion 1930s
1932 nude stockings for “extra size” legs
1938 all in one corset for plus size women
1938 all in one corset
1938 minimizing bra plus sizes busty women
1938 minimizing bra

1933 lingerie and pajamas for plus sizes
1933 lingerie and pajamas
1934 pajamas plus size fashion 1930s
1934 pajamas
1934 sweaters and jackets plus size fashion 1930s
1934 sweaters and jackets

1931 coat and afternoon frocks
1931 coat and afternoon frocks
Early 30s wool coat
Early 30s wool coat

Where to Shop for 1930s Clothing and Patterns

1930s Plus Size Dresses – My curated page of 1930s inspired dresses available in plus size range from spring floral tea dresses (in style now) to elegant Art Deco evening gowns. Day dresses are much harder to find but with a belt and a vintage hat almost any tea length or midi length, simple dress can look 30s enough.

Wide shoes – All vintage decades of wide size shoes can be found here. For the 1930s look at low heel oxfords, T-straps, Mary Janes, and simple pumps.

1930s Sewing Patterns–  My curated collection of 1930s sewing patterns. Some are marked “plus-size” to help narrow down the choices. New Vintage Lady is the only brand that specializes in plus size patterns for the 1930s and 1940s.

1930s Colors and Fabrics– Research fashion colors, patterns and fabrics used in fashion in the 1930s.

More 1930s clothing – Everything else you may need can be found here. Look for the “plus” tag over clothing pictures to know it is available in full sizes. Not everything is marked so be sure to explore all the options. Ask us for help if you don’t find what you need.

debbie
We are Debbie and Oscar, your guides to dressing up like decades past. We are here to help you find clothing online and learn about vintage fashions as worn by everyday people, just like you. Need help with your outfit? Ask us anytime.
« 1930s Men’s Casual Fashion
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