Up and Doing- Sportswear, 1937

Today we’ve got a beautiful page of images from the 1937 Montgomery Wards Spring and Summer catalog.  I bought this for my husband as an early birthday present, but could not help stealing it to put this image up on the blog!

I know I’m a total dork, but whenever I see pages in the old catalogs that remind me of the patterns I have put out it makes me happy.  Makes it worth all the work to know other folks can recreate the old styles, too!  A couple of the look on this page are perfect examples.  I got a happy thrill when I opened the catalog to this page, knowing I could recreate these and gave me more ideas of ways to use the patterns :).

The slacks above are made of linen and cut very similarly to the Smooth Sailing trousers.  I love it paired with the striped Jersey shirt!

The cute polka dot number in the middle reminds me of a 1930s bathing suit pattern by Eva Dress that’s been on my wish list for quite a while.  Just needs a little matching skirt and it would look the part!

And the last outfit reminds me so much of the Chic Ahoy pattern!  These ones have a pleat at center front, but still, the whole wide pants with bolero is a total win.  I wore my version that is the mustard color again the other day with a blue and white striped tank top and it was really fun!

Happy Wednesday!

11 Comments on Up and Doing- Sportswear, 1937

  1. Roxana
    July 13, 2011 at 10:46 pm (13 years ago)

    I really can’t take any more of this, unless summer comes here too…!!

  2. Tasha
    July 13, 2011 at 10:51 pm (13 years ago)

    Love them! I particularly like the slacks with the striped top. I used to have so many striped tops but all eventually passed their prime, so I could use a few good ones again (maybe I should knit one!). And now I know what I’d like to pair it with. I can’t wait to sew up my Smooth Sailing trousers or shorts– haven’t decided which I’ll do first!

    • wearinghistory
      July 18, 2011 at 4:21 pm (13 years ago)

      I know what you mean! I had a few nice striped tops and they bit the dust so I’ve been on the hunt for more. Sometimes the most basic things are the hardest to find!
      Can’t wait to see what you do!

  3. Tammi Johnson
    July 13, 2011 at 11:20 pm (13 years ago)

    I love them all. I wish I could get the shoes.

  4. Jill
    July 14, 2011 at 8:36 pm (13 years ago)

    HEY! I just did a striped-top-and-trousers outfit post yesterday. Wild!! Gosh, these DO look like your patterns. I’m so in love with those culottes!

    • wearinghistory
      July 18, 2011 at 4:21 pm (13 years ago)

      Oh my gosh! Great minds…

  5. Hannah
    July 14, 2011 at 9:30 pm (13 years ago)

    The polka dot number is amazing x

    • wearinghistory
      July 18, 2011 at 4:22 pm (13 years ago)

      I agree! I wish I could instantly find the fabric :)

  6. franticaboutfrances
    July 15, 2011 at 7:57 am (13 years ago)

    I really like the polka dot piece, its stunning! Great blog, really informative xx

    • wearinghistory
      July 18, 2011 at 4:22 pm (13 years ago)

      Thanks so much!

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