Is this 1950s prom dress fabric called chiffon?

[lisaodwyer]

I bought a beautiful prom dress from my local thrift store. It has draping over the bust in a different color green than the skirt and waist, but the fabric is the same. Is it chiffon? Under the draping is taffeta I think, and it’s more of a yellow green. Under the “chiffon” is net I believe, and a stiffer silk under the net. I am afraid to wash it….
What year would this be from? There are no tags. And am I right the top draping and skirt fabrics are chiffon? Thanks!

 

[GemGem]

It looks like voile fabric with a netting layer and taffeta underlayer.

im not sure of the dating, I’d hazard a guess at late 30’s-early 40’s. Let’s see what the experts say.

 

[claireshaeffer]

First, NO--absolutely do not wash it! It's a lovely dress.

The fabrics have two names: the fiber content and the type fabric. The taffeta is the type and the fiber is probably acetate or rayon. The "chiffon" could be nylon or polyester. Generally, when we think chiffon, we think silk; but it can be a synthetic. Synthetic chiffons have more body and are crisper than silk. The stiffer "silk" is probably an organza --again a synthetic.

VFG has an excellent Fabric Dictionary.

Dating is not my area of expertise.

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

i would date this to 1950s.

sometimes if you check vintage sewing patterns, it can give you an idea of help with dating.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Agree with Claire: fabric reads as nylon chiffon (synthetic) on my monitor. Nylon puts it as post-war at earliest. The style is '50s and the centre back zipper puts it as late '50s as earliest. So I'd date as late '50s to early '60s - hems were rising during this time so you can often narrow that date down by measuring the waist to hem length.

Nicole

 

[MagsRags]

Yes, agree with late 1950s. And listen to that inner voice that makes you afraid to wash it! These kinds of fabrics can shrink unpredictably, and differently from each other.

 

[Shusteroo]

Gorgeous dress. I love the ruching, such a flattering style. I could see Grace Kelly in this, she always looked beautiful in pastels! I agree with late 50s/early 60s

 

[gaildavid]

My immediate thoughts were nylon chiffon and 60s. Love the color and style. Nice score!

 

[lisaodwyer]

Thank you all for your help! My mom who was born in 1952 said it is probably chiffon too. I was unclear what "chiffon" meant but it's clearer to me now. Wish it fit me!

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

I also see nylon chiffon.