1950s women’s fashion plus size styles offered flattering silhouettes for fuller figures, emphasizing the hourglass shape and elegant designs, and at mens-fashion.net, we celebrate this timeless era. By exploring these vintage clothing options, you will discover stylish clothing that will improve your wardrobe. Embrace the charm and grace of the 1950s with our guide to plus size fashion, which include vintage-inspired dresses, retro plus size dresses, and curvy vintage fashion.
1. What Is 1950s Plus Size Fashion History?
1950s plus size fashion history marks a significant shift towards flattering silhouettes for fuller figures, offering stylish clothing options beyond traditional “stout” sizes. The plus size styles of the 1940s and 1950s were very attractive. Clothing from juniors to plus size was available to fit and flatter all women. 1950s plus size fashion came in the same designs as ladies’ fashion. For full-figured women, 1950s dresses were flattering.
Note: Plus size today and plus size in the 1950s are not the same. 1950s plus sizes started at a modern size 10/12. Models in these catalogs don’t look “plus” today, but in the 1950s, they would have been.
Key Developments:
- Flattering Silhouettes: The era embraced the hourglass figure, with dresses cinched at the waist and fuller skirts.
- Inclusivity: For the first time, plus size fashion mirrored standard ladies’ styles, offering more fashionable choices.
- “Stout” Sizes: Plus sizes were often referred to as “stout,” focusing on shape rather than just measurements.
- Lane Bryant: This designer was a pioneer in offering clothing for “stout” women, providing stylish and well-fitted options through mail order, catering to mature women with modest designs.
2. How Do You Dress For Your Figure In 1950s Plus Size Fashion?
Dressing for your figure in 1950s plus size fashion involves selecting styles that enhance your best features, emphasizing the hourglass shape with proper undergarments and flattering silhouettes. According to Grace Margaret Morton in “The Arts of Costumes and Personal Appearance” (1955), continuous vertical lines and graceful silhouettes create a slimming effect, while avoiding overly tight fits ensures comfort and a flattering look.
Key Strategies:
- Undergarments: Use Merry Widow corsets, padded bras, and waist cinchers to achieve the desired shape.
- Silhouettes: Opt for dresses that are cinched at the waist with fuller skirts to create an hourglass figure.
- Fabrics: Choose materials that drape well and avoid flimsy, stiff, or shiny fabrics.
- Colors: Navy, black, and dark red are slimming, while spring colors like pink and blue add vibrancy.
3. What Kind Of Undergarments Were Recommended For 1950s Plus Size Fashion?
Proper undergarments are essential for achieving the ideal silhouette in 1950s plus size fashion, including padded bras, waist cinchers, petticoats, and slips. Corsets helped to pull in the midriff and push up the bosom.
Recommended Undergarments:
- Padded, Pointed Bra (Bullet Bra): Shapes and lifts the bust.
- Longline Bra: Provides additional support and smooths the torso.
- Waist Cincher: Defines the waist and enhances the hourglass figure.
- Petticoat: Adds volume to full skirts.
- Slip: Ensures a smooth fit under form-fitting dresses.
4. How To Flatter A Fuller Figure With 1950s Plus Size Fashion Colors and Patterns?
To flatter a fuller figure with 1950s plus size fashion colors and patterns, choose dark, slimming colors like navy, black, and dark red, and consider prints or stripes for added visual interest. According to fashion historian Jayne Howard, wearing bold, contrasting colors can help break up the body and create a more proportionate look.
Color and Pattern Tips:
- Dark Colors: Navy, black, and dark red are slimming.
- Spring Colors: Pink, blue, and purple add vibrancy.
- Prints and Stripes: Repeating florals and vertical stripes can be flattering.
- Contrast: Balance dark and light colors to emphasize desired areas and break up the body.
5. What Dress and Skirt Lengths Were Typical Of The 1950s For Plus Sizes?
1950s plus size dresses and skirts were typically tea-length, offering a classic and flattering style suitable for various occasions. Tea-length dresses and skirts were commonly worn, and necklines were modest. Dresses were embellished with buttons or playful necklines.
Key Features:
- Tea-Length: Dresses and skirts that fall between the knee and ankle.
- Tank Style, Cap Sleeve, or Short Sleeve: Variety in sleeve options.
- Modest Necklines: Often embellished with buttons, bows, or scalloped edges.
6. How Does Texture Affect The Look Of 1950s Plus Size Clothing?
Texture significantly impacts how clothing hangs on the body; in 1950s plus size fashion, materials with a good fall and drape are essential for a flattering fit. Making sure the material hangs well on your body is important. Fabrics that are flimsy, stiff, bulky, or shiny should be avoided.
Texture Guidelines:
- Avoid: Flimsy, stiff, bulky, or shiny fabrics.
- Choose: Materials with a good fall and drape.
- Examples: Stretch pants or leotards were sometimes worn to shape the body.
7. How Did Wiggle Dresses And Pencil Skirts Fit Into 1950s Plus Size Fashion?
Wiggle dresses and pencil skirts were timeless classics in 1950s plus size fashion, offering a sexy, polished look when cinched at the waist and hugging the hips and thighs. The wiggle dress is cinched at the waist but hugs the hips and thighs, giving that sexy polished look.
Key Features:
- Cinched Waist: Defines the waistline.
- Hugging Hips and Thighs: Creates a flattering, curvy silhouette.
- Timeless Look: Remains stylish and elegant.
8. How Did Lane Bryant Contribute To 1950s Plus Size Fashion?
Lane Bryant revolutionized 1950s plus size fashion by offering clothing for “stout” women through mail order, providing stylish, well-fitted designs that catered to their needs. Bryant tailored to her customers’ needs and gave them an air of “modish slenderness” regardless of her proportions. Women loved it. Her designs were applauded by mature women, too, who appreciated the less confining styles and modest coverage.
Key Contributions:
- Pioneering Designer: Started offering clothing for “stout” women in 1909.
- Tailored Designs: Provided stylish and well-fitted options.
- Customer Focus: Catered to the needs of plus size women, offering an air of “modish slenderness.”
- Mature Women: Created designs appreciated for their comfortable and modest styles.
9. What 1950s Plus Size Clothing Guidelines Were Provided For Short Figures?
Guidelines for short figures in 1950s plus size clothing emphasized vertical lines, graceful silhouettes, and careful attention to sleeve and bustline design. According to “The Arts of Costumes and Personal Appearance” (1955), vertical movement and restrained curves add grace, while sleeves cut on the bias and slightly draped bustlines offer a slimming effect.
Guidelines for Short Figures:
- Lines: Vertical and upward-slanting diagonal lines.
- Silhouettes: Graceful and flowing, with modified tubular versions.
- Sleeves: Cut on the bias for a slimming effect.
- Bustlines: Designed with slight draping or vertical movement.
- Waistlines: Minimized by irregular lines or thin belts.
- Skirts: Simple, easy, and flowing, never tight and narrow.
- Coats: Full-length, either straight or semi-fitted with loose sleeves.
- Necklines: Cut close at the sides and back.
- Collars: Narrow and relatively flat, such as a shawl collar.
10. What 1950s Plus Size Clothing Guidelines Were Provided For Tall Women?
Guidelines for tall women in 1950s plus size clothing focused on balancing horizontal and vertical elements, breaking up large surfaces, and choosing textures that minimize bulk. According to fashion historian Laura McLaws Helms, tall women should avoid extremes and opt for designs that incorporate both horizontal and vertical lines to maintain proportion.
Guidelines for Tall Women:
- Balance: Use a mix of horizontal and vertical lines.
- Surfaces: Break up large surfaces into smaller areas.
- Textures: Choose dull, broken-surfaced fabrics like heavy crepes.
- Avoid: Bulky fabrics, clinging jerseys, and shiny surfaces.
- Prints: Opt for large, vague designs.
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FAQ About 1950s Plus Size Fashion
1. What sizes were considered plus size in the 1950s?
In the 1950s, plus sizes typically started around a modern size 10/12, focusing more on shape rather than specific measurements.
2. How can I achieve the hourglass figure in 1950s plus size fashion?
Use proper undergarments like padded bras and waist cinchers, and choose dresses cinched at the waist with fuller skirts.
3. What fabrics should I avoid when choosing 1950s plus size clothing?
Avoid flimsy, stiff, bulky, or shiny fabrics, opting instead for materials with a good fall and drape.
4. What colors are most flattering for plus size figures in the 1950s?
Dark, slimming colors like navy, black, and dark red are ideal, as well as spring colors like pink and blue.
5. Were prints common in 1950s plus size fashion?
Yes, prints such as repeating florals and vertical stripes were flattering options.
6. What was the typical length for dresses and skirts in 1950s plus size fashion?
Tea-length, falling between the knee and ankle, was a common and flattering choice.
7. How did Lane Bryant impact 1950s plus size fashion?
Lane Bryant offered stylish, well-fitted clothing for “stout” women through mail order, catering to their specific needs.
8. What accessories were popular in 1950s plus size fashion?
Accessories should be in proportion to the body, with options like double or triple strands of pearls to stand out more.
9. What guidelines were provided for short plus size figures in the 1950s?
Emphasize vertical lines, graceful silhouettes, and careful sleeve and bustline design.
10. What guidelines were provided for tall plus size figures in the 1950s?
Balance horizontal and vertical elements, break up large surfaces, and choose textures that minimize bulk.
