20s or 30s? sheer dress

ErikawithaK

ErikawithaK

Registered Guest
I'd really appreciate a little help with a date on this one. I think I may have tied the belt a little too high in the pictures. It is detached and could be lowered.

Also, any tips for telling the difference between organdy and organza? I think this is organdy but not sure.

Thanks in advance!
 

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That is lovely. I would date it to the 1930s. Organdy is cotton, organza is silk. Of course today they make them out of synthetics and rayons, but to me they technically should be natural fibers. My guess is your dress is cotton organdy but I have no way to tell just from the photos.
 
Thank you! I did consult the fabric resource here and that helped me to lean towards organdy. I don't have great luck with burn tests but maybe I will try again.
 
Yes, it reads like '30s cotton organdy to me too.

I think organdy and organza are actually the same weave, but from different fibres. The silk is more delicate of course, and I find that even '50s silk organzas (where it was used for linings, petticoats, over dresses, jackets and coats) have often become brittle over time. Older organzas that are in robust condition aren't common.

Both are wonderful materials; I love the combination of lightness and strength.
 
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