Vintage 1960's Davidow Jacket: Close-up View

This Davidow jacket comes from a suit c. 1962. It has a Chanel influence, like so many other Davidow suits from that era. Let's take a closer look at this jacket to show how it was made, and what features and details make it unique.

Vintage Dress: late 1930's to early 1940's

Dating vintage dresses can be fun, with so many clues to find hidden in the dress. The vintage dress shown here dates from the late 1930's through early 1940's. It is of black crepe, cut with a skirt that has 10 gores sewn to the hip yoke. This fanciful design was lost when WWII rations controlled skirt yardage. In addition, it has 2 metal zippers by Talon: one at the back neckline, and the other in the left side seam. These are typical locations for zippers during that era. The metal zippers would become unavailable during the war years, so we can assume this dress was made prior to 1942.

The photos below give some close-up views showing the details of both bodice and skirt. These details can help when trying to create reproductions. They also provide inspiration when designing modern fashions with a hint of vintage.


The bodice bows are set on very small pockets where the yoke meets the crepe bodice. The striped yoke and sleeves are made from 1/4" wide strips of the crepe fabric, sewn to a sheer black backing.


The skirt has 3 gores in back and 7 in front. The hip yoke is cut in one with the center gore, creating a "T" shaped panel. The length is original to the dress, with an inch deep hem. There are signs of belt loops at each side seam.

Bodice shirring in 5 rows creates gathers at the waistline. These provide the fit without darts because the entire bodice is cut on the bias.





Measurements:
bustline = 42" around
waistline = 33" around
hipline = 40" around
bodice length = 17" from shoulder, over bust to waistline
skirt length = 27" from waistline to hem at side seam
sleeve length = 5" at side seam
sleeve width = 12" around at cuff
hem line circumference = 84" around

Available at PintuckStyle on Etsy

Vintage Fashion for Curvey Women: Large Sizes Do Come in Vintage Too!

Abstract Print Sheath, late 1950's - mid-1960's

The February issue of "V" fashion magazine features "size", with a much publicized viewing of large size models wearing current fashion trends.

Oddly, when it comes to vintage, most people assume that the entire population prior to 1980 was tiny and slender, without curves or any additional body padding. To the contrary, sizes for larger vintage lovers are there if you seek them out.

Shift in Tidepool patterned fabric: late 1960's

Shift in Red/White/Blue print: mid to late 1960's (sold)

It's my belief that large size vintage fashion is scarce because those sizes are in demand.
Rather than being few and far between, the size range sells quickly. Another factor may be that vintage fashion has been in and out of popularity since the late 1960's, so that some garments are just plain worn out and no longer in circulation.

Fitted Sheath in White Gold Brocade: late 1950's through mid-1960's

Don't let these photos fool you, these are large size fashions, pinned onto a whisp of a figure to show them.

Tiki Floral Luau Sarong: 1970's (sold)

Teal Blue Crystal Pleated Dress: late 1970's

Some of these great fashions are currently for sale on Etsy. Others have been sold or are waiting their turn to be listed for sale in the future.

Chiffon Knit Boho Peasant Dress: 1970's

Lace Dress by Gloria Swanson: early 1950's (sold)

If you are looking for large size vintage, check PintuckStyle on Etsy often, since these great styles sell fast!