In 1927, American Joseph M. Shapiro formed the Simplicity Pattern Company. The company competed with established pattern companies McCall's and Butterick. Shapiro's aim was to sell his patterns cheaper than his competition at 15 cents instead of the going rate of 25 cents. He later partnered with F.W. Woolworth Company and sold patterns for 10 cents. In addition to offering contemporary fashion, Simplicity also offered a Historical Costume Collection. In 1936, Shapiro acquired Pictorial Review and the pattern company Excella. In 1998, Simplicity joined Conso Products Company, the world's largest manufacturer of trimming and decorative hardware for the international home furnishings industry.
Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry. Francesca Sterlacci and Joanne Arbuckle.