Plus Size Vintage Day Dresses

Styles of Plus Size Vintage Day Dresses

The eras most sought after in day dresses are the 1940s and the 1950s. The 1950s in particular work well for plus-sized women because the ideal figure of the decade was generously proportioned in the bust and hips. Even women who had such figures wore foundation garments to enhance their shape further, so the dress that went over the shapewear and crinoline was naturally larger than the woman herself.

Dresses from the 1940s can be a bit trickier, as wartime day dresses were not in wide use (women more frequently wore suits or a factory uniform) and rationing meant that the dresses were worn until they fell apart.

For those who like the 1960s look captured in the hit show Mad Men, there are more options, although again, the dresses demand at least a girdle to look right, which many modern women quite reasonably prefer not to wear. However, these dresses are made of a more durable fabric and are designed to skim the body nicely, so when you find the one that fits you, it’s your dress for life.

Problems With Vintage Day Dresses

Unless a woman was very wealthy, she didn’t have a large wardrobe. Women of all sizes tended to wear their dresses until styles changed. They saved their favorites, which is why we can enjoy them today, but day dresses were the least likely to be saved, mostly because they got harder wear. It’s very rare to find a matching belt with a dress because they fell apart or got lost. Really good vintage day dresses are thin on the ground.

With plus size vintage day dresses, it can be even harder because women whose modern size would be above a 16 tended to make or have their dresses made for them and then wore them until they gave out. Additionally, bodies have changed, so that a dress that fits or is even loose in the bust or hips might be snug in the ribs. When looking for a vintage day dress, you have to exercise extreme patience.

Sources for Dresses

In addition to brick-and-mortar vintage shops, there are any number of online shops that specialize in vintage clothing and many have sections just for plus-sized women. One good source to check out is A Dress a Day, which is a blog that links to great online vintage shops and gives a lot of information about dress styles through the decades. It also links to and gives information on patterns.

Patterns might be your best bet if you have something specific in mind. Vintage fabric and thread will have weakened over the decades and does not hold up long to the pressures of modern life. It can also be harder and more expensive to care for. If you sew, this can be an economical way to get a closet full of fabulous dresses for every season. Even if you have to have dresses made for you, it can still work out to be less expensive than buying a vintage dress in good condition, especially because it will last longer and be easier to care for.

You can also opt for reproduction dresses, although many designers making reproduction clothes prefer evening and swing wear. However, be sure to browse Stop Staring Clothing, which has plus sizes and can also do custom work, and Revamp Vintage, which makes clothes from the 1910s through the 1950s, allowing for a lot of fun variety.