About
Wearing History - Vintage Style Clothing Made In the U.S.A.
$19,930
357
THANK YOU to everyone who helped us meet the minimum funding goal. Now, please help us meet our stretch goal so we can get more equipment we need!
Other perks of pre-ordering and pledging:
- Discounts on e-patterns
- Limited edition tote bags, only available for Kickstarter supporters (and I’m almost out of those!)
- Discounts on garment packages
- Free shipping if you’re in the USA
- I pay sales tax if you’re located in California.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!!
**UPDATE- Our custom printed fabric is running behind delivery schedule, which is delaying production dates for items made with this fabric. Items made with this include the Scarf/Turban, Maisie Dress, and Norma Jean blouse. I will keep you updated as to when it arrives and when we go into production on these garments.***
- - - Our Story - - -
I started Wearing History as a way to share my discovery, study, and exploration of vintage and historic fashion. I originally sold period vintage clothing and sewing supplies online, and from there, I started my popular blog at www.wearinghistoryblog.com. My blog's readership quickly grew and my work has been featured in both print magazines (Vogue Sewing, The Chap, Sew Magazine) and online (Couture Allure, Sew Weekly, Queens of Vintage, Elegant Musings, among others).
I started the Wearing History sewing pattern line over five years ago as a way to merge my formal fashion history training with my love of vintage fashion. The sewing patterns brought my favorite vintage fashions- especially casual and sportswear - to a new audience who could sew, wear and love the styles as part of their daily wardrobe.
But I often heard from those who didn't sew that they wanted these fashions, too. It had always been a dream of mine to have my own ready to wear line, but I thought it was unachievable. I was trying to content myself with my little sewing patterns, but my heart and passion were in another place.
The motivation to jump in and make it happen came suddenly - several friends, unbeknownst to each other, spoke with me about passion and what to do with our lives. We all had a story to tell and something we wanted to do. I finally decided I didn't want to regret not going to it, and not trying. I wanted to go for it! And so, about six months ago, I focused all of my energy and work into a new venture for Wearing History - a ready to wear clothing line!
- What Makes Us Different -
Most vintage lovers agree that finding the perfect vintage garment in the color, style, and size they need is like finding a needle in a haystack. If you are actually able to find the perfect piece, chances are that it won't be able to sustain the wear and tear of continued everyday use. Decades of unfortunate, yet inevitable, structural decomposition take their toll on our favorite vintage pieces.
Sustainable style and knowledge- The popularity of vintage style has grown leaps and bounds over the last decade or so. Part of this popularity is due to the perceived sustainability of vintage garments over newly made fast fashion (designed with a limited life span). While recycling garments is a wonderful way to be responsible with our planet, I believe we also need to support our economy. Through Wearing History’s new ready to wear line, I hope to enhance the possibility of sustaining and supporting American jobs through domestic manufacturing. Manufacturing timeless vintage looks right here in our local economy is just one way to keep it going. Wearing History styles have a place in our closet season after season and year after year while helping provide work for many skilled professionals in our garment industry. This clothing won't just make you feel good for an aesthetic reason, but an ethical one as well. Supporting Wearing History means supporting your neighbor and our American workforce.
Designed for movement- Through the Wearing History clothing line I'm able to blend together my knowledge and practical application of techniques to make a really unique product. I have combined my experience and knowledge from my FIDM fashion design degree and theatrical costuming at the La Jolla Playhouse and San Diego Opera with my knowledge of authentic period cut and design. Using these, I have created garments that are as wearable as they are aesthetically unique.
Unique print design and color- Over the years our country has moved away from most of the technology and skill used to mill and produce textiles used in period garments.Although our fabrics aren’t milled as the fabrics of the past were, we didn't make any sacrifice in terms of prints or colors. Wearing History has designed and printed our first "signature" fabric design right here in the U.S.A. Unique to our clothing line, this print is reminiscent of period vintage textiles. Not only that, but since we wanted to make sure the other fabrics coordinated perfectly, we had them dyed to match right here in the U.S.A.. The combinations of color and pattern are truly unique to us, and as we grow, we plan to continue to offer future colors and pattern designs that are unique to our brand.
- Our Inspiration -
Wearing History isn't just about wearing fashions of the past- it's acknowledging where we came from and the people that made our world a reality. That's why Wearing History draws inspiration from an achievable vision of vintage glamour and style- the one that we see so often in old family photographs and the style of vintage mail order catalogs. Everyone loves a fancy frock, but we're really passionate about the clothing we can live in- clothing for our everyday lives.
Many vintage fashion enthusiasts often wish they could order out of period mail order catalogs - so we decided to make that wish come true and create the looks ourselves! We’ve designed our garments as if they could have stepped out of the pages of old catalogs. Seeing these cute styles and cheery colors brought to life has been absolutely thrilling!__________________________________________________________________
- - - - - - Rewards - - - - - -
We made sure there's a reward for a variety of pledge amounts. You can pledge without reward if you just believe in our vision, or you can choose from a variety of rewards.
Pre-order and get a shipping discount! Within the USA you get free shipping!
- - Pre-Order Our First Collection - -
**Early Bird Specials! All six of the items for our first collection have a very limited amount of items that are discounted AND include free USA shipping. Grab them early, because they'll be gone quick!**
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Sash or Turban in Melody Print- $35 (retails for $40)
A great add-on to our styles, this bias cut sash or turban is a great and versatile accessory!
- A long, bias cut scarf with pointed ends.
- Rolled hems around all edges.
- A great way to add part of our unique Wearing History "Melody" print to your wardrobe
- A fun way to add whimsy to separates OR dresses!
- Wrap around your waist and tie with long ends loose or up in a bow
- Wrap around your head like a long scarf to form a turban. Very WWII home front!
One Size Fits Most
Fabric Content: 100% Tencel (A rayon-type fabric with No Stretch) Care: dry clean
UPDATE- Our custom printed fabric is running behind schedule. Will keep updated as to estimated ship dates.
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The Norma Jean Blouse- $96 (retails for $99.50)
Our Norma Jean blouse is named for my dear paternal grandmother, a Missouri farm gal with a love for music and the outdoors. She would have loved this blouse as much as I do! Inspired by playful mid 1930's sportswear, this blouse is so classic it can easily be styled as 1940's or even 1950's. Our Melody print in soft cheery tones of Rapture rose, Ming green, Amparo and Insignia blue make for a wonderfully sporty blouse. The sleeveless design, large sporty collar and neckline make the Norma Jean Blouse easy and comfortable to wear. GREAT out on the dance floor, on a bike ride or at a fun picnic with friends!
- Fits loosely, with some shaping at the waist.
- Invisible side zip
- Slips on over the head
- Pointed collar
- Fullness at back, gathered to a yoke
- Features unique "Melody" novelty print, only available through Wearing History
Sizes Small through X-Large. Please consult our size chart, below, before ordering.
Fabric Content: 100% Tencel (A rayon-type fabric with No Stretch) Care: dry clean
UPDATE- Our custom printed fabric is running behind schedule. Will keep updated as to estimated ship dates.
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The Ruthie Blouse in Pearly Dot- $99
Our Ruthie Blouse is the perfect classic tailored blouse inspired by the women of WWII. Made of a fabulous lightweight cotton chambray with cute little woven dots that is not only beautiful to look at but so comfy to wear. Perfect for everyday, a night out dancing or just hanging out with your favorite book. Whether doing their bit over seas or on the homefront in factories, at home, in the field, flying the mail, behind a typewriter or portraying them on screen; the women of WWII were a strong generation that we must never forget. We not only want to help keep their spirit alive, but their style as well.
This blouse features:
- Short, slightly gathered sleeves
- White Art Deco German made buttons, reminiscent of vintage bakelite buttons.
- A lovely woven dot chambray fabric in royal blue
- A fun, pointed collar
- Suitable for wear with skirts or trousers- it can be dressed up or down easily
Sizes Small through X-Large. Please consult our size chart, below, before ordering.
Fabric Content: 100% Cotton (No Stretch) Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low OR dry clean.
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The Smooth Sailing Trousers- $95
The Smooth Sailing trousers were inspired by mid 1930's to early 1940's sportswear fashions
- A mid-point between modern and vintage trouser fit, rise (crotch length) is slightly longer than modern trousers, but not as deep as the extremely long crotch length of authentic vintage trousers.
- A slim fit through the waist and high hip, and a looser fit from the hip down
- Two front release pleats with topstitching detail
- An invisible zipper at the side
- Two inches of hem to let down if you need more length
- Made in pre-shrunk 8 oz 100% cotton indigo denim
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The Victoria Dress in Pearly Dot- $140
Our Victoria dress was inspired by the darling vintage shirtwaist dresses seen in many clothing catalogs from the late 1930's to early 1940's. It also evokes the tastefully patriotic homefront style of the early 1940's. Made of a fabulous lightweight cotton chambray with cute little woven dots that is not only beautiful to look at but so comfy to wear. Perfect for a night out dancing or just hanging out with your favorite book.
Melody print sash not included, but can be paired with our signature Melody print sash for a cute vintage look.
- Gathered short sleeves with release tuck detailing
- Cute white Art Deco buttons, imported from Germany, reminiscent of vintage bakelite
- A soft, woven dot chambray fabric in royal blue, which catches the light in a cheerful way
- Gathers at the front yoke
- A slightly longer hem length (you can hem shorter if you prefer a wartime 1940's look)
- Drafted for good range of motion, so you can swing dance and be active without worry or restraint!
- Fastens up the side with an invisible zipper
The Maisie Dress & Sash- $200 (retails for $225)
Our Maisie dress was inspired by the cheerful colors and playful prints commonly seen in many 1930's clothing catalogs. Our Melody print fabric paired with our exclusive coordinated soild tones, brings back the playful styles of the mid to late 1930's for all to enjoy. The cheerful Maisie dress may seem like a blouse and skirt, but is actually a shirtwaist dress. It features a beautiful bodice in Rapture Rose, a skirt in our signature Melody print, and a separate sash in the perfect tone of blue.
Photos of color tones on model may appear different on your screen than in real life.
- Gathered short sleeves with release tuck detailing
- Cute White Art Deco buttons, imported from Germany, reminiscent of vintage bakelite
- Gathers at the front yoke
- Wearing History's exclusive "Melody" print - only available here
- Drafted for good range of motion, so you can swing dance and be active without worry or restraint!
- A fun scarf is included that can be tied in a knot or a bow.
- Fastens up the side with an invisible zipper
- Unlined
Sizes Small through X-Large. Please consult our size chart, below, before ordering.
Fabric Content: 100% Tencel (A rayon-type fabric with No Stretch) Care: dry clean
UPDATE- Our custom printed and dyed fabric is running behind schedule. Will keep updated as to estimated ship dates.
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- Our Size Chart -
Our sizing does run differently than many other brands.
We'd love to do away with sizing "names" altogether, because we truly believe that good fit is more important than the name of a size.
In order for a garment to fit well, your must order a garment according to your actual body measurements, rather than what size you usually buy in other brands. Compare your measurements to the measurements and info on the chart below to ensure your garment will be the best fit it can be.
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Besides Our Collection, We're Offering The Following Rewards-
Thank You's- From a virtual thank you via social media ($5), to a mailed card signed to you by the designer($10).
Sewist Specials- Since the sewing community is where we started, there's some rewards tailored towards those interests. You might have one of the patterns on your wish list already- but by ordering through Kickstarter you help us reach our goal! As a side note- none of the garments in this collection will be available as e-patterns except for the Smooth Sailing Trousers. The other five garments were created especially for the new ready to wear clothing line.
- E-PATTERN- Your choice of any Wearing History Patterns print-at-home e-pattern ($12)
- SEWIST SPECIAL- Your choice of any Wearing History Patterns print-at-home e-pattern, a Wearing History Patterns tape measure, plus a personally signed thank you card from Lauren.
- SUPER SEWIST SPECIAL- limited edition tote bag, designed just for our Kickstarter campaign, a Wearing History Printed Sewing Pattern of your choice (up to $35 value), a Wearing History Patterns tape measure, a signed thank you card, and FREE USA SHIPPING.
- CREATIVE ACCESSORY PACKAGE- You get the limited edition tote bag, the Melody print scarf/turban, and your choice of one of our Wearing History print-at-home e-patterns for hats ($82 Retail)
Limited Edition Tote Bag- We've custom designed a limited amount of tote bags which are unique to our kickstarter. This tote bag is in patriotic red, white, and blue striped fabric with an outside natural color canvas pocket with frayed edges. The pocket has a screen print of our special "I DID MY PART" design, unique to our Kickstarter. Straps may vary from the sample picture. You get the tote bag with the following rewards:
- TOTE BAG- ($35)
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SUPER SEWIST SPECIAL- includes the tote bag with a mailed sewing pattern, thank you card, tape measure ($65)
- ACCESSORY PACKAGE- the tote bag plus the Melody turban/scarf ($65)
- CREATIVE ACCESSORY PACKAGE- The tote bag, the Melody print turban/scarf, and your choice of one of our print-at-home Wearing History e-patterns for hats ($72) Clikc on the link to see the hats you can chose from.
Experiences- We're also offering unique experiences as rewards. From tea with the designer on the Queen Mary ($300) to a guided adventure to fabric shop in downtown Los Angeles ($800), to learning the ropes of treasure hunting and shopping for vintage fashion at a flea market ($800), these rewards are very limited in quantity but offer another way to show support.
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- - - Why Back Us - - -
We already exist as a legal company- Wearing History already has become known for quality sewing patterns, and exists as a legal business entity. In anticipation of being successfully funded, we have already squared away the many legal requirements, including permits and registrations that are required to exist as a legal California apparel company. So we're all ready to go.
You support local economy- Through Wearing History you're supporting your local economy by buying clothing that's made here and in a way that meets all safety and legal requirements of our industry. That means the clothing helps promote local jobs, and you can rest assured knowing that each person involved with making the clothing is ethically compensated for their time and skill.
Everything is ready to go- so now we just need your help by pledging or pre-ordering so we can meet our funding goal.
What is included in the goal amount- The Kickstarter goal amount is the actual cost of getting the first run of garments made. Any of my time designing and creating the styles, and funds used to obtain legality, are not part of the goal amount.
Why we would love to exceed the goal- Any amount beyond that goal goes to getting us new equipment. This includes new dress forms so we can add at least a few sizes to our range, and maybe even some Male forms for a future Men’s line. More funding also means new fabric designs and garment styles. We have SO MANY IDEAS we want to bring to the vintage fashion world, and the more funding we get, the sooner that will happen!
- - - If we don't meet our funding goal, our clothing line won't happen - - -
The way Kickstarter works, it's all or nothing. That means, if we don't reach our goal, nothing gets made. That would be sad! So please pledge or pre-order what you can, so we can make this dream a reality!
Risks and challenges
**UPDATE- Our custom printed fabric is running behind delivery schedule, which is delaying production dates for items made with this fabric. Items made with this include the Scarf/Turban, Maisie Dress, and Norma Jean blouse. I will keep you updated as to when it arrives and when we go into production on these garments.***
We met the production goal!! YAY! That means the garments are getting made!
If we can reach above and beyond our goal, that means more vintage styles for you, better equipment for us and more much needed domestic production which supports our economy.
I've already put in a lot of time designing, testing, acquiring all the necessary permits and registrations, and everything we need to make this line possible. It's all lined up and ready to go. All we need now is the funding goal to be met to get the ball rolling. Which is where you come in.
As soon as we meet our goal, we can get on the production schedule.
Following meeting our funding goal, getting on the production schedule as soon as possible so the clothing can be made will be the next hurdle. Since we're not able to commit to production until we're funded, we can't get in line for production until our goal is met. Delivery dates are purely projected. If there's any delay, we will keep you posted!
We hope you're as committed to making this happen as we are. Let's work together to get this line of great vintage styles out there. Your support of the great American garment manufacturing industry is much needed and greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your kind donations, pre-orders, love and support.
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Funding period
- (30 days)