Including menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, underwear and lingerie. Also included are various fashion accessories, such as shoes, gloves, bags, hats, neckwear, jewellery and watches.
“The shoe with the youthful feel.”These ads for Air Step women’s shoes by Brown Shoe Company date from 1944-48.
“The young point of view in shoes.” These ads for “Life Stride” women’s shoes by Brown Shoe Company date from 1958-63.
“The top goes down, the style goes up!” These ads for “Pewdin” men’s shoes by Brown Shoe Company date from 1954-58 where I have found four different styles of ads.
“The open-collar feeling in leather.” These ads for “Roblee” men’s shoes by Brown Shoe Company date from 1955-58.
“Gay young fashions in a remarkable fabric.”These women’s fashion ads for Acrilan fabric date from 1954.
“A luxury sweater of Acrilan.”These women’s fashion ads for Acrilan fabric date from 1955.
“Now… jersey you can wash and wear!”These women’s fashion ads for Acrilan fabric date from 1956.
“The Secret? It’s in the crotch.” Action Jeans (aka Kickin’ Jeans) were produced by Century Martial Arts from 1977 to 1991 and endorsed by Chuck Norris from 1981.
“What this generation needs is a formal education.”These ads for After Six formal menswear date from 1956 to 1979.
“Engineered for comfort! Designed for beauty!” These ads for American Optical sunglasses date from 1946-48.
“It’s Aralac!”These black and white ads are for a fabric called Aralac and featured womenswear by a variety of designers. They date from 1945-46.
“Don’t blame your laundry for your shirts’ iniquities.”These fun and slightly bizarre ads for Arrow Shirts are from 1939-40.
“Fashion…a man’s world too.”These ads for Arrow Shirts date from 1956-57.
“The liveliest colours in cotton.”These fashion fabric ads for Avondale perma-pressed cottons date from 1958-59.
“For the loveliest legs in the world!” These ads for Berkshire stocking date from 1947-49.
“No finer fit at any price!”These six ads for Bestform lingerie are from 1944, with particularly pert bosomed illustrations by American pin-up artist George Petty.
Bill The Hatter was (and still is) a mail order company founded in Chicago in 1949 dealing in men’s hats, shoes and clothing. The ads here are for their funky 1970’s men’s fashions.
“Bold new imported fashions for innovators only.” These ads for Blye International menswear date from 1968-73.
“Looks more like fur than fur itself.”These ads for Borgana fake fur coats are from 1954-57.
“Brings better fashion into focus.”These ads for Botany “Camera” men’s fashions date from 1955. They were thin, full height third-page ads featuring disembodied clothing, cameras for heads, and bright coloured backgrounds.
“Unique clothing for women of distinction.” This fine selection of boutique dress shop ads are from Tampa Bay Magazine, dating between 1986-88.
“Underwear that’s funtawear!”
These ads/leaflets for British Bulldog unisex novelty underwear date from c.1979.
“You can even bend over and still be a lady.” These four Burlington Cameo pantyhose adverts date between 1968-69.
“Great fashion just for you at Young C&A.”These C&A ads for childrenswear date from 1984-87.
“Images Change”These C&A “Avanti” and “Clock House” mixed menswear and womenswear ads date from 1987. They all have a white background with little photos of the models posing around the letters in “Images Change”.
“Where value is always in fashion.”These C&A menswear ads date from 1983-84.
“Images Change”These C&A “Avanti” menswear ads date from 1985-86. They all feature a ripped-page graphic.
“Advantage Avanti”These C&A “Avanti” menswear ads date from 1988. They all feature white backgrounds with big black lettering.
“Advantage Avanti”These C&A “Avanti” menswear ads date from 1989. They all have an Ivy College theme.
“Now, come on in!”These C&A “Clock House” womenswear ads date from 1983-84. The all feature red bubble font.
“Try it on!”These C&A “Clock House” womenswear ads date from 1985.
“The time is now.”These C&A “Clock House” womenswear ads date from 1988-89. They all have a white background with a faint clock print behind.
“Cobwebby charmers!” This ad campaign for Cannon nylon stockings ran from 1947-48.
“Styled in California for the stars of Hollywood …and you!” These ads for Catalina “sweetheart” swim suits date from 1948-50.
With Halloween just a few days away, I thought it would be fun to look up some 1980’s & 1990’s TV, toy and movie based fancy dress sewing patterns. They range from fun to the down right bizarre!
Here is a collection of children’s character watches and clocks shown in various US Christmas catalogues from 1980-89 (found on Wishbook). I love the over-sized Strawberry Shortcake wall wrist watch clock!
Here’s some children’s nightwear from various 1980’s catalogues.
Here is a collection of children’s character clothing shown in various US Christmas catalogues from 1980-89 (found on Wishbook). The clothing was mainly t-shirts and sweater/sweat pant sets. I love the poses the kids are pulling in some of these images!
I fancied collating the character nightwear from the 1980’s Sears, Montgomery Ward and JCPenney Christmas catalogues over at Wishbook, and this is the result!
“Instant outfits for today’s pant people!” For girls who want today’s favoured Folk-Art Look, boys who want to be done up sailor-style, and crushed velvet for holiday happenings for the grown-ups.
“Makes the most of your best.” These ads for Cole swimsuits date from 1948-49, with illustrations by Ron Wicks.
“Tiny togs for tiny tots to knit to crochet.” Columbia Minerva knitting leaflets for childrenswear, dating from 1970-77.
“Decorate your body with all sorts of things… Make a headband… wear it as a dog collar… wear it as an armlet… make it longer… wear it as a belt… Express Yourself!”Columbia Minerva knitting leaflets for various fashion accessories, including, bags, belts and slippers. They date from 1970-77.
“Get with fashion’s newest rage. These handknits fly off your fingers with supersonic speed.” Columbia Minerva knitting leaflets for Women’s fashion. They date from 1967-77.
Columbia Minerva knitting leaflets for men’s fashion. They date from 1968-75.
Columbia Minerva knitting leaflets for ponchos, cloaks and shawls. They date from 1967-77.
“Bright touches to warm gay spirits from top to toe.” Columbia Minerva knitting leaflets for scarves, hats and mittens. They date from 1967-77.
“What a way to wear pink and blue!” This ad for “Some Baby!” platform shoes by Connie dates from 1973.
Check out these groovy 1960’s white-framed shades. Sunglasses just too small? How about a welders shield attached to a headband?
“America’s most-wanted gift tie!” These ads for Cutter Cravat “Artist Originals” ties date from 1951-53.
“Neat feet… soft treat!” These ads for Daniel Green women’s shoes and slippers date from 1963-68.
“You’ll stand out on any cool scene.” These ads for Diplomat Shops menswear are from 1973. You simply can’t go wrong with plaid elephant bell pants.
“The cool way to stay neat all day!”These ads for men’s trousers made from Du Pont “Dacron” polyester and “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1956-58. The ads featured a pair of men’s legs in the foreground and woman in the background.
“Comfort in action!”These ads for men’s fashions made from Du Pont “Dacron” polyester, “Orlon” acrylic fibre, and “Nylon” date from 1956-59. The ads feature men in various sporting and leisure scenarios.
“Extra Point: Orlon”These ads for men’s suits made from Du Pont “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1957. The ads all show men standing in front of a faint American Football scene.
“In fall slacks Orlon adds the future.”These ads for men’s suits and slacks made from Du Pont “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1958. The ads had little illustrations of spaceships, satellites, and other flying crafts at the bottom.
“So light, so neat!”These ads for men’s suits made from Du Pont “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1958. The ads featured a close up shot of a man’s jacketed torso on one side, with a full length shot in the distance on the other. The backgrounds were illustrations of fun outdoor activities.
“The age of Orlon.”These ads for men’s suits and slacks made from Du Pont “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1959. The ads had a space theme with plants, rockets and spacemen in the background.
“You can wash this coat!”These ads for jackets and coats treated with Du Pont “Zelan” water replant date from 1959. Each long half page ad featured models braving the outdoors.
“The luxury of Orlon.”These ads for men’s trousers made from Du Pont “Dacron” polyester and “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1960-61. The long half page ads featured a relaxed pair of men’s legs at various leisure venues.
“The Letterman look.”These ads for men’s fashions made from Du Pont “Dacron” polyester, and “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1960-61. The ads had a sports theme and the models used were mostly college age.
“The fun is in the wearing.”These ads for men’s fashions made from Du Pont “Dacron” polyester and “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from from 1960. The ads feature men in various sporting and leisure scenarios.
“New life, new lustre, new luxury.”These ads for men’s fashions made from Du Pont “Antron” nylon date from 1961. The ads were all shades of blue with a slightly misty focus.
“Things happen when you wear Eleganza!” These ads for mail order company Eleganza date from 1969-74.
I came across an amazing book of knitting patterns by Columbia-Minerva recently called “Fables and Fabulous Yarns: Knit Fashions for Boys & Girls” (1970). Not only does it the most fabulous photographs inside featuring floral backdrops and slightly creepy stuffed animals, but it also has a short story and poems written by Christie White Dauphin. Concept, photography & lithography by Low’s Inc.
“Designer resort wear so new and snazzy they’ll make all heads turn.” This fashion shoot for Ebony magazine from Feb 1980 starts of fairly average then takes a swift turn into the bizarre and grotesque with monkey fur, the “gay ’90’s”, leopard print and chamois leather.
“Flagg shoes, for the outspoken few.” These ads for Flagg Bros men’s shoes date from 1966-72.
“Rise On!” These ads for Flagg Bros menswear, shoes and accessories date from 1972-79.
“The finest woollens in the world.”This long running ad campaign by Forstmann Woolen Company dates from 1944-56, and ran from September to April each year. The ads had a background of three swathes of fabric with a model wearing clothes made from them.
“For Lines That Live”This ad campaign by Forstmann Woollen Company dates from 1941-42. Each ad featured a selection of black and white photographs of the same outfit from a different shoot.
“Loomed For You”This ad campaign by Forstmann Woolen Company dates from 1943-44. Each ad was participially framed with woollen fabric.
“Isn’t that Peter Sellers behind those Foster Grants?”From around 1965-68, Foster Grant ran a series of adverts featuring movie stars of the day wearing their sunglasses. Each photo had a quote by the star underneath, plus a few paragraphs about how mysteriously cool shades were. And looking at the photos, it’s hard to disagree!
“Slippers for little dreamers.” Here are some super cute furry slippers from various catalogues from the 1960-70’s.
These adverts for Galey & Lord are all from Sports Illustrated, with clothes aimed specifically towards that audience. The quarter-page, black and white illustrations were mainly created by artist Al Moore.
“Eva Joia fun fashions for girls only!” Here are some Gitano “Eva Joia” girls fashion adverts from 1985-87. I’d totally still wear the knitted cat jumper…
“Handknits for all the family.” This small, A6 magazine by Patons & Beehive was published in 1963. It included instructions for nine designs as well as images of a selection of their other patterns. There was also hints and tips on various aspects of handknitting.
No seams to worry about!These pantyhose ads by Hanes date from 1954-65 and are all of a similar style.
The great look. The great leg.Between 1965-67, Hanes released a series of adverts with a distinctly urban feel to them, of which I’ve found four different styles.
Sheer indulgence.There were several styles of smaller ad campaigns from Hanes released during the sixties.
“Gentlemen Prefer Hanes” These unashamedly awful Hanes pantyhose adverts date from between 1973-84. Each one features a man leering at another woman’s legs whilst out with his wife or girlfriend. I don’t know about them being gentlemen, more like creepymen!
“No one knows I’m wearing support pantyhose.” These Hanes Alive support pantyhose adverts date from between 1979-83.
“It takes a wife to know the difference.”These underwear ads for men and boys by Hanes are all from 1960.
“As recommended by the medical profession.”Health vests were obviously quite the thing in England in the 1950’s, and after looking over these knitting patterns you’ll wonder how you ever survived without one.
“Cool cats look better with Hi Styles!” These ads for Hi Styles date from 1972-74. Far out!
“Clothing to the Stars.” These two black and white illustrated ads for Hollywood Boulevard mens shirts are from 1975.
“Seeing the Magnin stores is a revelation.” These ads for I. Magnin women’s fashions date from 1947-48.
During the 1980’s-1990’s, Intarsia (a UK based company) produced over one hundred super cool knitted jumper patterns of cartoon TV characters (plus a few non-cartoon characters too). They are out of print these days, but still circulate on the second-hand market.
“Unmistakable international…unquestionably today’s fashions.”These ads for International Fashions date from 1970-75. They feature daringly dressed men with a lady hanging around admiringly.
“Anybody can have a better figure!” These black & white illustrated ads for Jantsen girdles and panty-girdles are from 1947-50. The artwork was by Pete Hawley.
“Sansabelt… the greatest thing that ever happened to men’s slacks!”These men’s trouser ads by Jaymar are from 1966-79.
“Young gentry sport shirts.” These spiffy menswear catalogue images are from a 1966 JC Penneys catalogue and feature an array of mildly amused men sporting knitted cardigans, pullovers and shirts.
“The natural line is the beauty line.” These illustrated ads for Kayser gloves date from 1939-43. Kayser, similar to Van Raalte, produced gloves, stockings and lingerie.
“Kmart. Yes. Kmart.”These ads for Kmart kids clothing are all from 1987.
One up in style.
These adverts are from 1971-72 and feature some fantastic text (as well as some fantastic trousers). All the chaps sit defiantly with one leg draped over the arm of their large ornate throne-like chairs, showing of their modern breeches and manhood at the same time.
This set of Lee publicity shots from 1971 featured manly poses whilst wearing a lion’s head. Just a little bit bizarre.
Between 1974-79 Lee produced a series of adverts with simple bright coloured backdrops to show off their new clothing, and was topped off with some splendid text. The later ads included the “Lee Fits America” slogan.
“Peppier than pepperoni and getting hotter every season!”These ads for men’s Italian clothing line Leonardo Strassi date from 1964-69.
“LoveLines”LoveLines were a range of girls accessories produced by Delavennat in 1988. The line included sunglasses, umbrellas, bags, purses and a few other accessories.
Feeling a bit hung over from all that New Year’s Eve partying? Here’s some lurid lounge wear which won’t help with that one bit!
“Above all. Under all.” These black & white illustrated ads for Dove Skin Undies by Luxuray are from 1947-48.
“Elegant. Sporty. Excellent.” This edition of Machine Knitting Chic was published in 1990 (no.5, £1.75) and included 30 over-ornamented jumpers with such wide shoulder that getting though doors must have taken some consideration.
“Caresses like cashmere… washes like magic!”These illustrated ads for men’s sportswear by Marboro Shirt Co. date from 1955-56.
“Sports shirts with a flair for style!”These illustrated ads for men’s sportswear by Marboro Shirt Co. date from 1955. The ads were a mixture of chalk figures and painted shirts.
“Luxurious in every detail.”These ads for Mele jewellery cases have the most wonderful illustrated backdrops. They are from 1967-68.
“Body-clinging knits stress masculinity with lean, sexy look.” Ebony magazine’s September 1970 fashion shoot for men, taken in New York Central Park, was based around “machismo”. And striped trousers.
“Movin’ Together” Ebony magazine’s April 1971 fashion shoot for men was based around a “what’s his and hers” theme, with the women wearing her man’s clothes.
“Furs, plaids and bold colours spice men’s fashions for fall ’72.” Ebony magazine’s September 1972 fashion shoot for men was based around layering different colours, patterns and fabrics. And plaid. Lots of plaid.
“If you’ve got it, flaunt it – elegantly!” Ebony magazine’s April 1973 fashion shoot for men was all about colourful leisure looks with comfort, class, plaid and pinstripes. The photoshoot took the “tremendous trio” to the Caribbean island of Curacao where they lounged about on bridges, rock pools and against craggy walls.
The Fine Art of Italian KnitsThese three ads for Michelangelo knitwear date from 1969 to 1970 and feature America Baseball player Walt Frazier.
“And best of all… it’s Milliken!” These ads for Milliken women’s fashions date from 1947-49.
“Brings out the actress in you!” These Movie Star lingerie adverts date between 1960 and 1979.
“Follow the trend to knitted underwear!” These ads for Munsingwear underwear for men date from 1939-45.
In the early 1940’s, Munsingwear produced a selection of adverts featuring sports and work related activities. They remind me of paper dolls, but with more bending over (as you would expect from Munsingwear).
“Perfect support, greater comfort, new allure!” This advert and magazine article are for Posĕs adhesive bras. They look like pastry boob hats.
“Gossamer glamour for the transcendent occasion.” These ads for Real Silk hosiery date from 1939-40.
Today I have been mostly looking at 1980’s – 1990’s retro geometric patterns in fashion. Now my eyes hurt…
“Every man wants his woman on a pedestal.” These Rogers lingerie adverts date from 1960.
“Sears shapes a woman’s world.” These ads for Sears support lingerie are from 1968. The models looked like they were posing on big pools of bright paint.
“It doesn’t cling, doesn’t creep, doesn’t twist.” These four swinging sixties Non-Cling underwear ads by Sears are from 1968.
“Sears has gone wild!” These ads for Sears support lingerie are from 1969. The models were all posing outdoors with large wild cats.
This series of adverts for Sears “The-Men’s-Store”, dating from 1968-69, were photographed in the New York Playboy Club.
“You don’t have to be big on comfort to be big on The-Comfort-Shirt!” These adverts for Sears Men’s Store “The-Comfort-Shirt” date from 1970-72.
“They’ve got all the moves.” These adverts for Sears Men’s Store “Give-n’-Slacks” date from 1970-72.
“Fresh, fashionable, very wearable.” These ads for Sears “The Men’s Store” were part of their Menswear Report campaign. They all date from 1976.
“Fashions For Men” These adverts for US mail order company Sedbury date from 1970-73. Bell bottom pants, open-front vests, wide lapels, cape shoulders, and all in a choice of scene stealing colours! Order mine in avocado.
“The worlds greatest name in women’s shoes.” These ads for Style-EEZ by Selby Shoes date between 1938-40.
“The ultimate touch…” These ads for Sendra gloves date from 1943-45.
“Beauty on a budget…” These ads for Ship ‘N Shore women’s fashions date from 1949-50.
“How to dress as if money were no object.” These ads for Simplicity dress making patterns date from 1959-59.
“The first totally new fashion magazine in a decade!” These ads for Simplicity dress making patterns date from 1960-64 and feature the new Simplicity Magazine.
“If I can sew, you can sew.” These ads for Simplicity dress making patterns date from 1965-67 and featured actresses, models and singers of the day.
“Goes where I go.” These ads for Simplicity Fashion News, Simplicity’s new monthly mini-magazine, date from 1967-70.
“We spot the trends. You make them.” These ads for Simplicity dress making patterns date from 1971-75
These small black and white ads for Smith House Of Leather date from 1972-76 and feature some slightly awkward models.
“Flirt, flirt, flirt with that old devil budget!” These black and white illustrated ads for Spun-lo lingerie date from 1949.
“Snap, snap, snap your fingers at undie bills!” These black and white illustrated ads for Spun-lo lingerie date from 1950.
“What all girls desire!” These black and white illustrated ads for Spun-lo lingerie date from mid 1951-52. They had white backgrounds and a little rhyme about an expensive luxury and their cheap undies.
“So healthy for my budget!” These black and white illustrated ads for Spun-lo lingerie date from early 1951. They started off with full backgrounds, which were then reduced to just the mid section.
“How to look every inch the country gentleman.” These ads for Stetson Hats date from 1945-48. They were mainly illustrated by Phil Dormont, but other artists were also used here and there, including Slayton Underhill, Scott Evans, Edwin Dahlberg and a couple whose signatures I can’t read.
“Your winter in amethyst.” This eight-page advert for women’s fashions made from various Steven’s Fine Fabrics dates from 1960.
“Your Saturday Night 3pc special makes you the big gun.”These small black and white ads for Swank date from 1972-74 and feature some splendidly named men’s suits, descriptions and poses.
Swatch (from Swiss Watch) began production in 1983. Below are my favourite geometric/graphic designs designs from 1983-1993. They started off quite plain, but by 1988 they had got really bold!
At the bottom of the page are my favourite Pop Swatch designs from 1988-1993. They first made an appearance in 1987 with a plain strap and face, and became more fancy the following year.
“Switch To Swatch!”These Swatch Watch ads are from 1983 to 1989. Swatch are still going strong to this day, with many designs which look straight out of the eighties!
“A Great, Big Watch!”These Swatch watch “POP” adverts date from 1988 to 1991.
“Swatch Attraction”These Swatch Watch ads are from 1990 to 1995.
“Silky soft as a dandelion puff.”These beautiful illustrated ads for Textron women’s underwear date from 1945-49.
“Silky soft as a dandelion puff.”These beautiful illustrated ads for Textron women’s underwear date from 1945-49.
“How to design and create beautiful garments on your knitting machine.” The Machine Knitting Book by John Allen was published in 1985 and featured a wealth of highly dubious jumpers.
“Way up on top in everything but price!” These illustrated ads for TruVal men’s shirts date from 1947-48. They all featured the bespectacled fox from the logo in various poses.
“The girls who married twin brothers.” These ads for TruVal men’s shirts are all from 1947. They featured three different sets of twins.
“Like daddy’s in all but size.”These ads for Twigs boys clothing date from 1947-50.
“Because you love nice things.”
These Van Raalte glove adverts date from 1950-62. They also produced stockings and lingerie.
“Because you love nice things.”Here is a small selection of my favourite Van Raalte stocking adverts from the very early 1950’s.
“Because you love nice things.”These Van Raalte lingerie ads are from 1935-46.
“Because you love nice things.”These Van Raalte lingerie ads are from the 1950’s, which had a mixture of full colour and black & white ads.
“Because you love nice things.”This striking advertising campaign featured lingerie clad ladies posing with large model letters “V” and “R”.
“Opens the door to a world of nice things”These ads from 1963-65 have a slight voyeuristic feel to them, what with the peeping through doorways at ladies in a state of undress.
“And she’ll sleep beautifully ever after.” These ads for Vanity Fair lingerie cover the 1950’s. They all had a plain backdrop, full length bodies, and partially hidden faces. This style carried on right up to 1980 at least.
“All is vanity…” These ads for Vanity Fair lingerie cover the 1960’s. They all had a plain, bright backdrop, full length bodies, and partially hidden faces. This style carried on right up to 1980 at least.
“The glamour girl look returns.” These ads for Vanity Fair lingerie cover the 1970’s. They all had a plain backdrop, full length bodies, and partially hidden faces. This style carried on right up to 1980 at least.
“It’s simply wicked what it does for you.” These adverts for Warner’s “Merry Widow” lingerie date from 1953 to 1961. They have a slightly sinister masquerade feel to them.
“The sky’s the limit to your charms!” These adverts for Warner’s lingerie are all from 1959 and feature a selection of painterly flying ladies.
“Watch him crush it!” These ads for Wembley neckwear date from 1941-42, and featured American wrestlers of the day doing their best to wrinkle their “Nor-East” ties.
“For me who have modern fashion ideas.” These adverts for Wembley’s bold patterned ties are from 1948-51.
“Professionally styled for cool efficiency.”These ads for White Swan Uniforms are from 1971-88.
“Giddy colours, queer heels adorn the spring shoes!” These women’s shoes are from Life magazine, April 1939. They were notable for “the queerest heels and brightest colours in years”.
“Birds make them huge and elegant.” These wonderful hats are from Life magazine, October 1944.
“New York milliners show balloon silhouettes, curlicue crowns and jelly rolls gone glamorous.” These wonderfully extravagant hats are from Life magazine, August 1945.
“An old and genteel art is used to make jaunty, stylish cloths.” These lovely crocheted garments are from Life magazine, January 1945.
“Italian designers capture tone of ‘way out’ world.”Space-age fashions from Ebony magazine, October 1965.
“A”Moods for sleeping from the old silver screen.” This fashion article is from Life magazine, April 1969. It features French actress Genevieve Gilles modelling an array of glamorous nightwear.
“You, too, can join the Hat Parade!” What was is store for us in the hat world of April 1989? Let’s find out!
