The “blouses” section of The Language of Fashion: A Fashion Dictionary, published in 1939, is an illustrated treasure trove—especially exciting for someone like me who sells vintage clothing. Reading through it has not only deepened my appreciation for historical garments but also helped me immensely in identifying and pricing vintage pieces. There’s something fascinating about seeing precise definitions paired with general illustrations showing how garments were worn, all alongside approximate dates of when these styles were fashionable.
Blouses have long been a cornerstone of women’s wardrobes, serving both as a practical garment and a reflection of cultural and social shifts. Even in the 1939 publication of this fashion dictionary, the styles already referenced decades (if not centuries) of innovation in women’s clothing. For anyone passionate about vintage fashion, pieces like these are invaluable; they shed light on how trends evolved and how each garment’s popularity was tied to significant moments in history.
A Brief History of the Blouse
The blouse, as captured in these scans, is an adaptive garment that has continually changed to reflect the era in which it was worn. The word “blouse” itself traces its roots to early 19th-century French dress terminology, describing a loose-fitting garment, often associated with workwear for peasants and artisans.
During the late 19th century, the blouse became an emblem of practicality and independence for women. The rise of styles like the “shirtwaist”—a button-down blouse often worn with a tailored skirt—reflected women’s increasing presence in professional and social spheres. Shirtwaists were a pivotal choice for women working in offices, particularly during and after World War I, when female workers became more of a necessity. By the time The Language of Fashion was published, blouses had diversified into styles like loose peasant blouses, tailored silk tops for evening wear, and even sporty, casual looks inspired by new recreational activities popularized throughout the first half of the 20th century.
The range of blouse styles detailed in the fashion dictionary is particularly fascinating because it captures this moment of innovation in women’s fashion and reflects broader cultural shifts in women’s roles.
Other Highlights from This Section of the Dictionary
As I flipped through The Language of Fashion and scanned the pages, I couldn’t help but marvel at the level of detail and knowledge meticulously compiled into this book. Not only do blouses feature prominently, but the accompanying pages discuss an array of garments, accessories, and styles that emphasize how early 20th-century fashion was steeped in both tradition and modernity. Here are some highlights:
- Boyish Bobs: The bob haircut became a definitive style post-World War I, serving as a visible expression of the changing role of women in society. Women embraced the bob as a rejection of restrictive norms and symbolized newfound personal and professional freedom. The dictionary references Irene Castle’s bob hairstyle, which had a significant cultural impact.
- The Basque Bodice: Dating back to the 19th century, the basque bodice was a form-fitting bodice that extended down over the hips. It faded in popularity by the early 20th century but remained visually iconic, representing the highly sculpted silhouettes of Victorian fashion.
- Bonnets Galore: The bonnet section is equally striking, including detailed definitions and dates for styles like the Cabriolet Bonnet of 1810, Coal Scuttle Bonnets of the mid-19th century, and even Salvation Army adaptations from 1938. Bonnets were not just a means of shielding oneself from the sun—they symbolized station, social values, and even religious dedication.
- Historical Boots: The boot section spans centuries, including fascinating tidbits about 17th-century French fall boots, Cavalier boots from 1625, and Top Boots from 1789, which were worn for riding and favored by upper-crust gentlemen in the Georgian era.
- Bouffant Skirts: The voluminous bouffant skirt of the 1930s served as another nod to fashion cycles—echoing 18th-century Rococo silhouettes but repurposed for a more modern taste. The bouffant became a glamorous choice for evening gowns and special occasions.
- Bust Extenders and Forms: This entry was particularly intriguing because it hinted at how women, even in the early 20th century, sought to manipulate their silhouettes. Bust extenders from 1909 and bust forms in 1938 illustrate the enduring obsession with achieving the “ideal” body shape of the time, a practice that persists today.
Why This Matters for Selling Vintage Clothing
For someone who sells vintage clothing, resources like The Language of Fashion offer more than just aesthetic inspiration. They set the foundation for accurate product descriptions that both honor and contextualize the garments we sell. With these definitions in hand, I can better explain not only what a piece is but also how and when it was worn. For example, the illustrations help me pinpoint the approximate year a certain blouse style emerged, giving me critical insight into its design and market value.
It’s also incredibly satisfying to educate potential buyers on the historical significance of a piece, which often makes the purchase all the more special for them. Fashion, after all, is storytelling—our garments are tangible connections to the past, and each piece carries with it a unique story waiting to be told.
More Historical Gems From This Book
I admit I’ve become a bit obsessed with reading this dictionary as I scan it. It’s more than a reference guide—it’s a time machine into fashion moments that defined eras. Other fascinating entries in this set of pages include:
- 20th-Century Bretelles: A form of decorative straps, often used in evening gowns or aprons, these gained popularity in the early 1900s for adding subtle elegance to otherwise straightforward garments.
- Brother and Sister clothes: A charming nod to matching outfits for siblings, which became especially popular for formal children’s wear throughout the early 20th century.
- 19th-Century Bustle Silhouettes: A quintessential symbol of Victorian extravagance, the bustle silhouette once dictated trends for nearly three decades before fading out entirely by the turn of the 20th century.
- Cabochon Shapes: While primarily a term from jewelry design, “cabochon” shapes also referenced garment embellishments and fabrics, illustrating the overlap between fashion and accessory trends.
Scanning these pages is a humbling reminder that fashion has always been about reinvention and adaptation—trends we see today often have roots in traditions centuries old. For those of us who curate, sell, and appreciate vintage clothes, gaining this kind of insight is invaluable. It not only enhances our understanding of the garments we handle but also deepens the stories we can share about them.
Whether you’re here to learn more about the history of blouses or simply to admire how much care went into archiving the ever-changing language of fashion, this dictionary is a must-have resource for vintage enthusiasts and history lovers alike. The beauty of vintage lies not only in its aesthetic but also in its ability to remind us of where we’ve been—and how far we’ve come. Keep an eye out for more scans and insights as I continue diving into this incredible book!
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