COMPLETELY INSANE thrift store run

[plousia]

It can be difficult to date traditional style clothing. The only thing with others listing items with the same label and selling them as 40s , doesn't mean they are genuinely from that era - and it can have a snowball effect, once a few people have incorrectly stated something, others take it as fact...

Definitely true. The one I found with the same label looks pretty 40s with puffed short sleeves. But could be mistaken, I'm sure.

I could be wrong too... could you post an image of the label and hopefully others can weigh in with their thoughts?

Sure, here are some more pics of the labels on the pants and top, the seams, the snaps, and the embroidery pattern, if those might help. Appreciate any input!

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

I can see why you are confused.
The only thing that makes it appear newer, is the overlock stitching. I usually don't associate that with the 40s and 50s.
Although the tag does look older.
The set is a puzzle.

 

[plousia]

Agreed, the overlocking is the one incongruity, for me. Given everything else I still think it's early, but it is odd. I suppose it could be a later addition, but it doesn't look like it.

I think I've read that overlocking started in the 30s in lingerie? So not impossible, though not common either?

 

[MagsRags]

When I think about what was happening politically and economically in China during the 1940s and 1950s, I think this has to be newer. China was invaded by Japan during WW2, and then came close ties with the USSR, the Cultural Revolution in 1949, and adoption of Communism. I don't think China opened up to trade in any significant way until the Nixon years here in the U.S.

 

[plousia]

They don't seem to have been made for export, but as tourist souvenirs for US servicemen, for example. I've seen them described as souvenir pajamas or sweetheart pajamas. At least this is what I've gathered from limited information online. A few sold sets I've found are from VFG members, maybe one of them will turn up and enlighten us.

 

[MagsRags]

They don't seem to have been made for export, but as tourist souvenirs for US servicemen

A tourist souvenir for US servicemen would = export, since very few GIs would have been based in China in the 1940s or 1950s, and if they had R&R there, the servicemen would be doing the exporting.

You may well be correct, but traditional garments of non-Western cultures are notoriously hard for Westerners to date. I have had a few garments that were made in China that I truly believed were earlier than 1960s, but not many.

 

[Shusteroo]

I found this article, 'Made in China', by Nicole from @Circa Vintage Clothing which has some interesting info on this subject...

https://circavintageclothing.com.au... factories opened up,artisans are some of the

 

[retro ruth]

I think I've read that overlocking started in the 30s in lingerie? So not impossible, though not common either?

I've seen overlocking in garments in 30s 40s and 50s garments. It was more common in lingerie, as you say. I've also seen it being used here and there in a garment, rather than on every seam. Eg a 50s dress where most seams are pinked, but then there's overlocking just on the waist seam that pulls the top and bottom together. Or around shoulder pads. As you say, not impossible, but not common.

 

[plousia]

I found this article, 'Made in China', by Nicole from @Circa Vintage Clothing which has some interesting info on this subject...

https://circavintageclothing.com.au/2015/01/08/made-in-china/#:~:text=The Chinese factories opened up,artisans are some of the

Interesting! I'm trying to find info on the traditional Chinese garment trade but there doesn't seem to be a lot online, at least in English. I have another silk Chinese robe that I think is later, but can't really tell from when. It would be interesting to know more about these artisan tailors and whether they're still in operation at all.

 

[plousia]

I've seen overlocking in garments in 30s 40s and 50s garments. It was more common in lingerie, as you say. I've also seen it being used here and there in a garment, rather than on every seam. Eg a 50s dress where most seams are pinked, but then there's overlocking just on the waist seam that pulls the top and bottom together. Or around shoulder pads. As you say, not impossible, but not common.

Yes this is just on the top shoulder seams. I'd never seen that before. As this is sort of lingerie (pajamas) maybe more likely?

 

[retro ruth]

Yes this is just on the top shoulder seams. I'd never seen that before. As this is sort of lingerie (pajamas) maybe more likely?

Yes, more likely, but of course not conclusive.