Understanding Survival Bias in Vintage Plus-Size Clothing

Have you ever wondered why it’s so difficult to find plus-size vintage clothing? If you’ve spent any time searching for vintage fashion in extended sizes, you’ve probably noticed that smaller garments are far more common than larger ones. Some people assume this means that plus-size individuals simply didn’t exist in the past—but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In my YouTube video, “Understanding Survival Bias in Vintage Plus-Size Clothing,” I dive into some of the reasons behind this scarcity and debunk the misconception that larger-bodied people were rare in history.

What is Survival Bias in Vintage Fashion?

Survival bias occurs when we form conclusions based only on what has lasted over time while overlooking everything that didn’t survive. A classic example of this comes from WWII, when statistician Abraham Wald analyzed bullet holes on returning planes. The military initially thought they should reinforce the areas that had been hit, but Wald realized they were only looking at the planes that made it back—meaning the planes that didn’t return were likely hit in the areas without visible damage.

So how does this relate to vintage plus-size fashion? The reality is that plus-size garments were often worn more frequently, handed down to younger family members, or altered over time, meaning they simply didn’t survive as well as their smaller counterparts. Unlike smaller garments, which were often stored away and preserved, larger garments had a higher likelihood of being used until they were unwearable.

Plus-Size Fashion Has Always Existed

Contrary to popular belief, plus-size individuals are not a modern phenomenon. Brands like Lane Bryant, Roaman’s, Montgomery Ward, and Spiegel offered larger sizes in their catalogs as far back as the early 20th century. In fact, my 1939 Spiegel catalog lists a “Larger Women’s Average Size” with measurements up to a 49-inch waist, proving that plus-size clothing was widely available.

The misconception that plus-size people didn’t exist in history is largely due to survival bias (and of course fat-phobia). While fewer plus-size garments remain today, we have plenty of photographic evidence showing people of all sizes throughout history. If you look through old family albums, you’ll likely see relatives in larger bodies—because we were always there, just as we are today.

Why This Matters for Vintage Fashion Lovers

If you love vintage style but struggle to find authentic plus-size pieces, you’re not alone. The good news? We have more options than ever today. Thanks to vintage reproduction brands and well-curated modern pieces, we can recreate the looks we love in a way that fits our bodies and lifestyles.

I go into much more detail in my YouTube video, so be sure to watch and let me know your thoughts in the comments. Have you come across plus-size vintage garments, when shopping? What are your favorite plus size garments you’ve found? Do you have family photos that prove plus-size people existed in every era? Let’s reclaim this history together!

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