Called the "designer's designer," Claire McCardell turned the American fashion industry on its head starting in the 1930s with her fresh modern take on sportswear. This week we examine her career and legacy in a two-part episode from 2022.

For additional reading, check out Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson's recently released biography Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free (2025)

Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? 

Our website and classes

Our Instagram

Our bookshelf with over 150 of our favorite fashion history titles

Dressed is a part of the AirWave Media networkLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices