Dating a Robe/Duster

[greatglenvintage]

Hello! I'm having a bit of trouble dating this robe. There are no tags. I'm not sure of the fabric - it's not super tightly woven, but not really an open weave either. Medium weight. It got sort of stuff when I washed it, but steaming helped. I'm not sure if the pink trim is original or an addition. It is sewn on by hand. The seams are unfinished. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

It looks like a kimono style. Can you please show photos of it unbelted (I assume the belt is not original) and a close up of the fabric, seaming please. Is it all handsewn?

Also, what do you mean when you say "It got sort of stuff when I washed it, but steaming helped" do you mean that it shrunk, or crinkled up or changed in some way?

Thank you.

 

[greatglenvintage]

The sleeves are not shaped like a typical kimono. They kind of flare out at the end. The seams look machine sewn, but I'm not completely sure. "Stuff" is a typo. I meant to say it became stiff when I (hand) washed it and (air) dried it. Steaming made it a little more flexible again. I don't think the fabric actually changed.

 

[greatglenvintage]

Hoping these pictures show up a little larger.

 

[greatglenvintage]

Bumping this up?

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

The fabric looks unusual as it appears to have small pleating, is that correct? It's a beautiful print, it has a 1930s look to the print. I find the pink trim looks like an addition as it may have been a home made construction and that is what they felt they wanted to use.

 

[greatglenvintage]

It does have almost pleats in it - or something sort of like seersucker. Not sure how to describe it.

 

[Linn]

The fabric looks like a plissé which is pleated by machine or by a chemical treatment. I agree that the pink trim appears to be added. I think the pattern has a '30's look but the colors used look later than '30' to me. I am seeing more late '70's - early '80s. With no tags and home sewn construction this one is hard to date!

 

[greatglenvintage]

The fabric just "feels" older than 80s to me, but I'm certainly no expert in fabrics.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Agree that the pink was likely added: it's not cut and sewn very well, so doesn't sit well. It's a bit hard to know much about it without handling it but it looks handmade, a crinkle georgette. Maybe cotton? Sorry, I can't tell much by the pics but I think it's a dressing gown rather than dress.

I would start by identifying the fabric because that can often help with dating.