Dating Antique-looking white button up blouse?

stainedglass

stainedglass

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Just purchased this blouse from an antique shop and I'd love to find out any info on the era it's from. It is pintucked all over with lace detailing in a diamond pattern with billowy sleeves and a single "32" label which is presumably the size. Anyone have a clue as to when this is from? Thanks!
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Hmm, yes, "32" could be the size: is it small? 32 could be the bust measurement inches.

Hard to date but it looks quite modern, in fact brand new. Perhaps that means it hasn't been worn but the construction does not look old and neither does the fabric. I'm inclined to think it's a new blouse made somewhere in Asia. Style elements from assorted eras.

No other labels? It's an odd shape, and doesn't seem to have a lot of shape. Any bust darts?
 
Circa Vintage said:
Hmm, yes, "32" could be the size: is it small? 32 could be the bust measurement inches.

Hard to date but it looks quite modern, in fact brand new. Perhaps that means it hasn't been worn but the construction does not look old and neither does the fabric. I'm inclined to think it's a new blouse made somewhere in Asia. Style elements from assorted eras.

No other labels? It's an odd shape, and doesn't seem to have a lot of shape. Any bust darts?
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No other labels and no bust darts, but when tried on the hem flares a little bit at the hips. The bust is 32" around.
It definitely feels (and smells) very old and the fabric is stiff and sort of rigid.
 
It looks like it might be from the post bust dart, pre T-shirt era of the late 1960s when neo-romantic clothes were popular 68-71? I had a French teacher who dressed like this - piled up hair, tight skirts, flirty, frilly, Edwardian style blouses... That would have been Grade 3-4, so c. 1970.
 
Jonathan, the style looks similar, yes, but the construction just isn't right - the cut of the bodice, sleeves, shoulders are very unsophisticated. If it wasn't for the size label I would expect it to be hand made. It's a good thing that it's a small size because it wouldn't be flattering on a curvaceous body due to the lack of shape.

The lace looks like it's synthetic too, although that could be '60s. I've seen similar buttons on '60s garments. It could be late '60s as you say, Jonathan, and just be very basic in shape but I can't see it being any older.

stainedglass, was the shop able to give you any information? They're the best people to ask. Photos are inherently limited.
 
bycinbyhand said:
I can date them by the fabric and the type of thread used.
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Not to hijack a thread, but I have a Mexican peasant dress that I'd like to try and date and seeing that you have experience dating them has encouraged me to create a post a bit later today :) Hopefully you can help.
 
Jonathan said:
I thought the lace was wrong for a Mexican pintuck blouse - its a poly net lace, and I would have expected a heavier cotton lace.
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I've had a Mexican pintuck button front beach coverup with poly net lace, Jonathan. It was a cotton/poly blend with the poly lace and thinner than the older Mexican cottons. Pretty, but not the same quality as the older cottons with cotton lace.
 
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