How old is this and is it a swimsuit cover up?

furwise

furwise

VFG Vice President
VFG Past President
I went shopping today and purchased a few garments so I will be asking for more help.

This is so pretty to me. It has certain elements that make me think it is from the late 50s but the cuffs make me think of the 60s.

I cannot remember what this fabric or pattern is called either. It is on the tip of my tongue. My brain is telling me it is called something close to chanille but I know that is probably not even a word.

One side has a pocket which makes me thing it is a cigarette pocket and that this might be a swimsuit coverup. It also has a label at the neckline that says Ruff n Ready but I cannot make out the wording on the bottom and there is a size label at the waist that says 5.

Can you please take a look and tell me what you think as far as dating, fabric, and how it is supposed to be worn?

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Thank you, Caryn
 
From a 1972 ad:

"Individuality is the foundation of the young boutique world, as exemplified here by the Ruff-N-Ready Underware Co. That jacket is really a recycled 1940 chenille bedspread."

The image is not visible, but the description sounds like your jacket and your label appears to say "Underware" on the bottom.
 
Hi Lynne, Thank you. I could not even make out what it said in person but now that you mention it I believe it does say Underware.

Does that mean this is a lingerie coverup? Is this really a 1940s recycled chenille bedspread?

I am still a little confused but that is definitely helpful.

Thank you, Caryn
 
From another 1972 article:

"One example of a healthy and totally homegrown imagination came from...four young people...from Whittingham, Vt. They call their studio Ruff-N-Ready Underwear (sic) Co., specializing in old, recycled uniforms with good fit and natural fiber. There are khaki Army shirts with the shirttails cut off to a new battle jacket length, then covered in multicolor suede and leather patches. Discarded blue nurses' uniforms of 100 percent cotton were cut jacket length, then decorated with patches of old flannel shirts.

The four partners believe their concept of recycling fills a need in the low end of boutiques. The group has a strong nostalgia for what they call the good things of their childhood, which was the 1950s. They find these things of the period give them a comfortable feeling when they incorporate them into a new use for today, such as curtain fabrics and wallpaper.

I think your item is a 'boutique' jacket.
 
Thanks Lynne, As usual you are amazing.

Thank you Joules. I saw this twice at the thrift store and passed on it. This time it was still there so I negotiated and bought it. It looks really pretty to me too.

Caryn
 
Wow Joules! That is so cool. Thank you for showing me those photos!

With the information given I think I will list this as a 70s boutique jacket made from recycled 40s/50s chenille fabric.

Thanks again, Caryn
 
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