Dickey, I think... Help ?

Better Dresses Vintage

Better Dresses Vintage

Alumni
Hi - Another wacky Dunbar estate item.

The front of this dickey-looking thing is a very delicately horizontally ribbed fabric -- could be silk, rayon, or even acetate (although it's only very slightly shimmery). The ties are flat cord. The back is a delicate mesh (cottony-feeling, not nylon tulle or net). It goes on over the head, and there's a single snap closure at the neck.

The bib is "faux basket weave" -- all the strips going in one direction are on top of all the strips going in the other (it's not actually woven).

Front is 20" long x 12.25" wide, back is 17" long x 10" wide. The "bib" part is about 6.75" long at the center x 6.25" at widest. Fits Cecilia, a size 2/4, nicely.

So? What is it?

My mom still wears dickeys, but they are the over-the-head or button-front styles. This one resembles, somewhat creepily, the religious undergarments Orthodox Jewish men wear with tassels, (called tzitzit) at each corner. Those sometimes tie on, too.

It's in perfect condition. Deep black and looks brand new. It was just dry cleaned (smelly estate).
 
Also I believe, known as a vestee. It may be from the 1930's or possibly quite bit later even from the 1950's and would be worn under a jacket or a dress. It might have a more functional use as part of a specific outfit.
 
I was just thinking, I am not familiar with this at all so I am curious to learn. However the vestee idea makes sense. I had a Harman suit form the early 60s possibly late 50s where the skirt actaully had an attached blouse to it. However it looked unfinished and I amsure the white blouse part was not meant to be the only blouse. Something like this would have been perfect over it.

However, I am only guessing here but saying I could see the intentions.
 
What everyone else has added... to be worn under a suit as the weather warmed up. I have a lovely white one by Jami.
 
My mom has "dickeys" that serve the identical purpose -- lighter and simpler to wear than a full blouse or sweater. They're still available today, but are far from common or popular. Also, the newer ones (going back to the 60s, that is) have a different design. They're like regular shirts or turtlenecks, but without sleeves and ending just below the bust.

Any more suggestions as to the vintage? Construction offer any clues? Not sure how to list it.

Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top