1930s Depression-Era

Flour Mills Begin Decorating Their Flour Sacks After Realizing That Depression-Era Families Were Using Them To Make Children’s Clothing. 1930s.

Flour Mills Begin Decorating Their Flour Sacks After Realizing That Depression-Era Families Were Using Them To Make Children’s Clothing. 1930s.

The sacks came with bright, colorful designs, and sometimes patterns for toys — like the one seen here being filled with flour for delivery. The sacks were labeled, but the ink was washable. Example

Due to the tight budgets of struggling families, flour sack clothing was very common — thus, many unique designs were printed on the sacks. Here

The patterns came in a variety of colors and styles. There was something for everyone!

It seems strange to think about wearing a flour sack now, but for millions, it was a way of life due to the severity of the Depression.