Stout figures present an interesting problem

Despite the view that Victorian and Edwardian fashions were only full of rake-thin women with 12" waists, it's not true! I came across The Home Pattern Company 1914 Fashions Catalog in a bargain bin at a bookshop and immediately pounced on it. It's chockful of fashion illustrations showcasing what was in during 1914.

In the catalog book, there are specific mentions to big-size girls and how to choose a style that is flattering to a 'stout figure'. I quite like the Edwardian use of the word 'stout' in relation to plus-size girls. Makes me feel somewhat like a full-figured beer.

                            Click on the direct links below to read the full scan

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'There seems to be no other phase of women's costuming which is so little understood as that of the stout woman's problem.' Hear, hear!

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These Edwardian patterns even mention catering up a 44 inch bust and a 32 inch waist which happily debunks the myth that there were no or very little big size women 100years ago! Although the tips on how to flatter a larger figure is for dressing Edwardian, I think they can still be relevant for our now times and applied for some aspects of lolita fashion as well. Edwardian fashion for the stout woman emphasizes on a good fit and a well-fitted lolita dress can do wonders. Instead of squeezing ourselves into lolita dresses that were made for smaller girls, why not consider the alternative of tailoring?