Machine-made clothing became increasingly more common throughout the first two decades of the 20th century. This demand resulted in the rise of department stores and mail order catalogs, which delivered finished garments right to the hands of consumers. Take a look at these pages from popular mail order catalogs and see how Americans could order various goods through the mail!
Image 1. "General Rules and Instructions for Customers," Herr, Thomas & Co.Image 2. "Attractive New Skirts and Blouses for Women," John Wanamaker, 1915-1916.Image 3. "The Season's Characteristics are Shown in These Dresses for Girls and Young Women," John Wanamaker, 1915-1916.
1. Herr, Thomas & Co., Pittsburg, PA. Catalogue No. 101, 1907, page 5, Thirty Days’ Trial and General Rules and Instructions for Customers.2. John Wanamaker, New York, NY. Fall & Winter Catalog 1915-16, 1915-1916, page 7, women’s skirts and blouses.3. John Wanamaker, New York, NY. Fall & Winter Catalog 1915-16, 1915-1916, page 25, dresses for girls and young women.Images courtesy of the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives, Trade Literature Collection
Women in Action
“Mail Order Catalogs,” Keeping Up in Kansas: Women's Fashion in the 1910s, accessed July 6, 2023, https://ccrsdigitalprojects.com/mail-order-catalogs
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