A Perfect Fit: How Lena “Lane” Bryant Changed the Shape of Fashion

Discover how the Lane Bryant clothing brand changed the way we buy clothes forever by celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes in this inclusive picture book biography of a Lithuanian immigrant with a brilliant eye for fashion and business. With stunning artwork from Sibert medalist Juana Martinez-Neal.

Lena came to America with nothing but a dream—and an exceptional ability to drape and snip and stitch. She never used a pattern or a tape measure, but every dress she sewed turned out to be a perfect fit.

Then, one day, a customer presented her with a new challenge. Could she design a stylish, comfortable gown for a body shape that did not meet the current standards of fashion?

Lena took the challenge. Under the company name Lane Bryant, she became famous for flattering and modish clothing designed for all different shapes and sizes. The world of fashion would never be the same.

This beautifully illustrated story of perseverance and vision celebrates:

• A Trailblazing Woman in History: The true story of Lena Himmelstein Bryant, who followed her dream from a small Lithuanian village to the heart of New York City’s fashion world.
• An American Immigrant Story: A hopeful and determined journey of a young Jewish woman who overcame hardship to build a life and a business in a new country.
• The Birth of Body Positivity: How a single request for a comfortable dress for a changing body led to an inclusive brand that celebrates people of all shapes and sizes.
• Innovation in Fashion: A fascinating look at how Lena’s unique talent—sewing without patterns—sparked a revolution in the way clothes were designed and sold.

"An elegant ode to a delightfully different kind of designer who wanted fine fashion accessible to all, not just a privileged few." - Booklist (starred review)

“What sets this classic immigrant story apart is how the advice of her rabbi grandfather—'help another person'—results in Bryant’s liberating fashion innovations. . . . Measured prose and sepia-textured pages—filled with velvety drawings of flowing fabric, Gibson Girl hairdos, and elaborate gowns—suit the historical moment, while making Bryant’s contributions to feminist fashion always evident.” - Publishers Weekly

"This biography deftly covers the highlights of Bryant’s life in an enjoyable and accessible manner, a one-of-a-kind origin story of a retail success whose foundations were based on helping others feel great." - School Library Journal