1930s Sewing notions, fabrics, laces, silks, and the last page of the Chicago Mail Order Company 1935 Catalog (summer)

The 1930s were an era of ingenuity, frugality, and renewed creativity, and nowhere is this more vividly reflected than in historical catalogs from the period. These publications served as a lifeline for households and dressmakers, offering affordable access to fashionable textiles and supplies during the Great Depression. Here, we share the last 11 colorful, rich pages from the Summer 1935 Chicago Mail Order Company catalog, which capture a snapshot of the materials, patterns, and sewing solutions that defined 1930s fashion.

These pages offer a glimpse into an era where sewing was often a necessity rather than an artistic hobby. They highlight advertisements brimming with luxurious fabrics like silks, printed viole, pre-made laces for dressmaking, and a wide selection of printed cottons—perfect for homemakers stitching their own attire or embellishing garments handed down to extend their usefulness. The details provide clear evidence of a shift in consumer priorities toward practicality, with a continued yearning for elegance and beauty.

Popular Fabrics of the 1930s

Among the dazzling range of fabrics featured in the catalog are “Hollywood Dress Prints,” a reference to the glamorous movie stars of the decade who dictated trends. These prints were likely inspired by popular fashion worn by actresses such as Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow, and Greta Garbo, who introduced elegance and whimsy into the wardrobes of women across the country. The catalog also features “Sanforized prints,” a fabric treated to resist shrinkage—a technological innovation introduced in the 1930s that marked a turning point for ready-to-wear and at-home sewing alike. Other highlights include woven dot Swiss fabrics, organdie prints, and batiste textiles, which were advertised as delicate yet resilient materials for dressmaking projects.

Silk crepes also feature prominently, showcasing the era’s flirtation with texture and drape. Crepes were a staple fabric for women’s wardrobes, especially for evening dresses and blouses that needed to signal sophistication and modernity. These fabric advertisements catered to women looking for style on a budget, offering them the tools to recreate the sleek silhouettes seen in contemporary magazines or in Hollywood films.

Innovations in Sewing and the Decline of Zippers in 1930s Attire

Interestingly, an absence of zippers throughout the catalog reveals just how much 1930s fashion still relied on traditional tailoring techniques, such as buttons, snaps, and hooks-and-eyes. Though zippers were patented as early as the 19th century and saw limited use in the 1920s, they became much more common during the 1940s as manufacturers embraced the ease and convenience of mass production. Their absence in this 1935 catalog serves as a fascinating clue for accurately dating garments from the period.

A Coloring Book of Patterns and Possibilities

What is most striking about these pages is the breadth of choice for home seamstresses, even during an era when many Americans were still reeling from the economic challenges of the Great Depression. Colors and prints were bold and playful: polka dots, florals, and Tahiti prints evoke a mood of cautious optimism, reflecting how clothing and textiles gave people small opportunities for self-expression. The final catalog pages, shown in full color, offer a tantalizing look at freshly dyed summer fabrics that could be transformed into cheery blouses, breezy dresses, and even curtains for brightening up interiors.

The emphasis here is not only on creating clothes but on fostering pride in craft and ingenuity. These advertisements suggest that sewing could be a way for individuals to reflect their personalities and maintain dignity—even under the harshest economic conditions.

About the Chicago Mail Order Company

The Chicago Mail Order Company became an indispensable part of household life during the early 20th century. Its catalogs delivered everything from clothing and fabric to household goods directly into the hands of rural customers who might otherwise struggle to access department stores. In the 1930s, with urbanization reshaping society and the Great Depression battering pocketbooks, shops like these cut out the middleman by distributing affordable goods through detailed catalogs that allowed people to make their selections with confidence and convenience.

These pages from the 1935 summer catalog are like stepping stones into a vanished world. The vibrant colors and innovations hinted at a brighter future, balancing the harsh realities of life with the enduring human desire to create something beautiful. They remind us of a time when people sewed their stories into fabric, creating not simply outfits but lasting reflections of the era.

A Fashionable Legacy

For anyone studying vintage fashion today, catalogs like this are treasured historical references. They showcase not only the materials and colors fashionable at the time but also the subtle cultural undercurrents—like the values placed on self-reliance and resourcefulness during the height of the Depression. These last pages also serve as proof that, even when struggling, people have always sought ways to incorporate beauty and craftsmanship into their daily lives.

So take a closer look at these beautifully preserved advertisements, and let them tell a story about the 1930s—a time when a spool of thread, a few yards of fabric, and a good pattern could give anyone the confidence to face the challenges ahead in style.

By revisiting these pages, we’re not just admiring sewing notions and fabrics; we’re gaining insight into an era and the enduring spirit of creativity that defined it. Sewing was more than just a necessity; it was a powerful testament to resilience and individuality, stitched together by the skillful hands of everyday people. What stories will you find hidden among the folds of the past?

Below are the last of my scans from this 1930s catalog: