1935 Wool Bathing Suits, Women's Sportswear, and Mens' |

At the tail end of the sprawling 1935 shoe section in the Chicago Mail Order Company catalog, we arrive at a fascinating miscellany of summerwear that captures the spirit of the times. These two pages offer a glimpse into men’s and women’s sportswear, laying bare not only the trends and sensibilities of 1935 but also the innovations and cultural shifts taking place in fashion during the early 20th century. Here, we uncover advertisements for men’s summer suits, summer shoes, innovative undergarments, and a wide variety of women’s leisurewear, including wool bathing suits, sportswear, pajamas, and coordinated outfits.

This small catalog section reflects a moment in history where practicality and evolving leisure lifestyles began to dictate the structures and fabrics of clothing. The Great Depression had left an undeniable mark on fashion, with a focus on utility and affordability, but there were clear signs of a renewed desire for fun, freedom, and fashion-forward garments.

Mid-1930s Men’s Summerwear: Simplicity and Utility

Menswear in the catalog put a spotlight on warm-weather essentials. Lightweight summer suits featured fabrics designed for breathability, offering men a polished yet comfortable look for outings or work under the summer sun. Summer shoes offered designs that balanced functionality and elegance, and these were likely made from materials such as canvas or lighter-weight leather, which suited casual and formal occasions alike.

Of notable interest in this section was the inclusion of men’s undergarments, which demonstrate not only the evolving relationship between clothing and anatomy but also a growing awareness of personal support and comfort. One standout advertisement highlighted an athletic chest supporter—designed to be zipped on. While this accessory might provoke curiosity today, it exemplifies a trend toward engineered garments that promised improvements in posture, appearance, and mobility. Transitional undergarments like these subtly paved the way for modern activewear, making them both an unusual and forward-thinking inclusion.

1930s Women’s Wool Swimwear and Leisurewear

For women, this fashion catalog paints a vivid picture of 1935’s casual and active lifestyle options. Wool bathing suits stood out as the go-to swimwear of the era, and while such suits might seem heavy by modern standards, they were prized for their durability and stretch. Wool was a dominant fabric in swimwear throughout the 1920s and 1930s, favored for its ability to hold its shape and provide modesty—two qualities that were highly valued in swimwear for the time. The designs often featured figure-hugging silhouettes with modest styles, reflecting the gradual evolution of swimwear toward more functional and form-fitting designs.

Also included were women’s sportswear options such as matching jersey tops and shorts, which were both practical and playful. This era saw a growing embrace of activewear for women, as sports and leisure became more socially acceptable pastimes for them. These outfits enabled women to participate in casual outdoor activities—like cycling or tennis—while retaining an air of style and grace.

A variety of other summer items rounded out the women’s section, including brightly patterned pajamas, comfortable sandals, and two-piece ensembles. The matching tops and shorts, sometimes paired with breezy cardigans or jersey jackets, offered versatile options for women navigating the casual lifestyle trends of the mid-1930s. These pieces echo a move toward smaller wardrobes that were built on mix-and-match philosophy—emphasizing practicality, but certainly not at the expense of elegance.

The Broader Context: 1935 Fashion and Society

The garments showcased in this catalog capture more than just fashion—they reflect the lifestyle changes and societal shifts taking place during the mid-1930s. Coming out of the Great Depression, clothing designers and manufacturers had leaned into the production of affordable, durable, and versatile pieces. This economic caution intertwined with a cultural shift toward recreation and leisure, seen vividly in these catalog pages through the depiction of activewear and casual clothing. People were beginning to prioritize enjoyment, whether they were at the beach or out in the countryside for some sport or relaxation.

It’s fascinating to note that, by 1935, fashion was also influenced by Hollywood’s Golden Age. Celebrities popularized leisure chic, making even simple shorts or bathing suits seem glamorous. The catalogs of the time picked up on this aspirational energy, offering ordinary folks a taste of that allure—often at a modest price.

Moreover, the wool swimwear trend of the 1930s was a testament to how technical fabrics of the time satisfied demands for both modesty and mobility. Body image and conservative values still dictated a fair amount of how these garments were designed, but functional advancements—like shorter inseams, sleeveless styles, and zippers—suggest a shift away from the constraints of fashion in previous decades.

Why These Catalogs Are a Treasure Trove

What makes this particular catalog section so captivating is how it captures the everyday yet transitional nature of 1935 fashion. It’s a reminder of how clothing tells the story of its time, blending utilitarian needs with slowly emerging trends of self-expression and leisure. Catalogs like the Chicago Mail Order Company’s reveal items that were carefully marketed to appeal to both practicality and aspiration, making them accessible to households looking to stay in style despite economic constraints.

From chest supporters to wool swimwear, the items on these pages are not just clothes—they are pieces of history, reflecting a unique balance of innovation, culture, and practicality. These styles help us imagine the lives of men and women in 1935 as they navigated an era of challenge and change, one catalog order at a time.

Did you find any new details about 1930s fashion that captured your attention? What garment or style intrigues you most from this unique catalog snapshot?

Interesting and overlooked details to the fashions of 1935.