Fashion Industry & History

Early 20th-century women's clothing was uncomfortable, fussy, and over-decorated. Chanel created the slim, simple lines we think of as classic style and set the tone for 100 years.

The history of the apron used as a protective garment, an indication of a particular trade, and a cultural icon. From vintage styles to Anthropologie's beautiful styles, the apron is back.

Bustles of the 1870s and 1880s added bulk in the rear of the skirt. These Victorian styles featured narrow skirts, tight bodices, and much ornamentation.

Men's fashion in the late Victorian era includes styles worn during the Gilded Age and La Belle Epoque.

Flappers were only part of the fashion trend of the 1920s. The female silhouette became slimmer and almost androgynous with drop-waist dresses and loose, comfortable clothing.

The influence of World War II on fashion was huge. Shortages and rationing limited the use of fabric and other materials used in fashion design. Hemlines were up and hair was long, creating an iconic style

Fast fashion is cheap, convenient, and helps the more frugal among us experiment with new fashions and clothes. But fast fashion comes with a price greater than the tags on the shelves

Women of the 1890s wore large puffed sleeves, bell-shaped skirts with tight waists, and suits based on an hourglass figure. Increased activity brought simple new designs for sport and day wear.

"Caribbean's Next Top Model" contestant Gabriella Bernard challenges industry standards of beauty.

Use these clues to date old photographs of women. Fashion changes over time can suggest the date a picture was taken and can help with genealogy research.

During the American Civil War, women of the South were limited by the availability of products due to the blockade. Fabric was needed for the military so women became creative with limited resources.

"Made in China" has a bad reputation of being cheap, fast, and poor quality. Is there truth to this notion?

A wide variety of clothing styles and materials were worn by women of the historic American West. Garments were handmade and featured cross-cultural influences. Clothing depended on ethnic affiliation, occasion, status, and weather.

Mercari is a marketplace for used or new items. It can be a great alternative to Poshmark or eBay for buying used clothing. Read my Mercari review from a buyer's perspective.

Poshmark is an online marketplace for buying and selling used clothing, accessories, and makeup. Learn how the site works and what precautions you need to take to protect your payment information and privacy when buying and selling on Poshmark.

Garment and textile production is the largest employer of workers world wide. Though ready-to-wear clothing was once a cottage industry, the Industrial Revolution changed the way we shop and dress.