Apparel and Textile Design
20th Century Notes Activity
_______________________ In 1937, the U.S. Department of Agriculture prepared to
conduct a study of women's body measurements for the purpose of creating a sizing
system which the entire industry could follow. Before, there were no standardized sizes
and there were no guidelines for sizing patterns or clothing.
In the __________________ companies asked the National Bureau of Standards to do
research and provide a reliable industry sizing guide.
The resulting commercial standard was distributed by NBS to the industry for comment
in 1953, formally accepted by the industry in 1957, and published as
______________________ (CS)215-58 in 1958.
World War I _______________The wartime economy, the change in population
demographics, the expanding domestic economy (with more people working), and the
shift to women in the _____________all had a tremendous impact on fashion.
Before WWI, _________________was the main fashion house. People looked to
French designers to see what was in style.
The most lasting change happened to ______________________. Hems which had
risen from floor length to ankle length prior to the war, rose to mid calf length by 1916,
and have stayed that high, or higher, ever since.
World War II_______________________The government found it necessary to
________________ food, gas, and even clothing during that time.
Nylon and wool were both needed by the military and _______________________ was
banned in the USA after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
________________________ Emerged as a Fashion Leader.
Girdles were out as the __________________ was needed for the war effort.
__________________________became a staple of women who worked in factories
and soon gained widespread acceptance for casual wear
In February of 1947, Christian Dior introduced his _______________, a style that
shocked and outrages some and thrilled others.
Apparel and Textile Production I
Summer 2014
20th Century Notes Activity
__________________________ a French fashion designer whom is one of the most
important couturiers of the twentieth century.
In ___________________, he launched his first collection which featured the “New
Look”
The “New Look” consisted of rounded shoulders, a cinched waist, and a very fully skirt.
A very ______________________ look.
After years of military and civilian uniforms, restrictions, and shortages, Dior offered not
merely a new look but a new outlook.
________________________ A famous French Fashion
designer.
She is the only fashion designer to appear in
________________________________________________
Chanel was credited with liberating women from the constraints of the "corseted
silhouette" and popularizing the acceptance of a sportive, casual chic.
Chanel popularized the “____________________________”.
Chanel No. 5 is still one of the top grossing perfumes.
Apparel and Textile Production I
Summer 2014
20th Century Notes Activity
Answer Key
Standardized Sizes In 1937, the U.S. Department of Agriculture prepared to conduct a
study of women's body measurements for the purpose of creating a sizing system which
the entire industry could follow. Before, there were no standardized sizes and there
were no guidelines for sizing patterns or clothing.
In the mid 1940’s companies asked the National Bureau of Standards to do research
and provide a reliable industry sizing guide.
The resulting commercial standard was distributed by NBS to the industry for comment
in 1953, formally accepted by the industry in 1957, and published as Commercial
Standard(CS)215-58 in 1958.
World War I 1914-1918 The wartime economy, the change in population demographics,
the expanding domestic economy (with more people working), and the shift to women in
the workforce all had a tremendous impact on fashion.
Before WWI, France was the main fashion house. People looked to French designers
to see what was in style.
The most lasting change happened to women's hemlines. Hems which had risen from
floor length to ankle length prior to the war, rose to mid calf length by 1916, and have
stayed that high, or higher, ever since.
World War II 1939-1945 The government found it necessary to ration food, gas, and
even clothing during that time.
Nylon and wool were both needed by the military and Japanese silk was banned in the
USA after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
New York Emerged as a Fashion Leader.
Girdles were out as the rubber was needed for the war effort.
Pants became a staple of women who worked in factories and soon gained widespread
acceptance for casual wear
In February of 1947, Christian Dior introduced his New Look, a style that shocked and
outrages some and thrilled others.
Christian Dior a French fashion designer whom is one of the most important couturiers
of the twentieth century.
Apparel and Textile Production I
Summer 2014
20th Century Notes Activity
Answer Key
In 1947, he launched his first collection which featured the “New Look”
The “New Look” consisted of rounded shoulders, a cinched waist, and a very fully skirt.
A very feminine look.
After years of military and civilian uniforms, restrictions, and shortages, Dior offered not
merely a new look but a new outlook.
Coco Chanel- A famous French Fashion
designer.
She is the only fashion designer to appear in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential
People of the 20th Century
Chanel was credited with liberating women from the constraints of the "corseted
silhouette" and popularizing the acceptance of a sportive, casual chic.
Chanel popularized the “little black dress”.
Chanel No. 5 is still one of the top grossing perfumes.
Apparel and Textile Production I
Summer 2014