Is this a 1960s cocoon coat?

EndlessAlley

EndlessAlley

Alumni
Was wondering if this is a '60s cocoon coat.

Underarms are very deep set, and sleeves are cut as part of the body of the coat in back and have a shoulder seam in front.

It appears rather shapeless with same measurements for bust, waist and hips.

Not sure how to measure this, especially shoulders. If it is a cocoon coat were they made to fit large and should I note that in my listing?

Beautifully woven fabric with 3/4 sleeves, braid trim on collar and patch pockets.

There is a '63-'74 union label, but not maker nor fabric content label, no sign of where one was sewn.

Many thanks for your help.
Alice
 
Thanks Mary,

I found a very similar coat, with buttons, deep set sleeves, and straight cut on a 1960s vintage coat timeline, but the term, "cocoon" seems to be all over the place when I looked at other listings.

I just want to be correct in how I label this coat. So if not cocoon, is there another descriptive term I should use? It reminds me of what I've seen early to mid 60s.
 
unfortunately, Alice, there are a TON of sellers who have no clue when it comes to correct terminology. many see a misrepresneted garment/keyword and find it attractive or that it sells using the term, so they just turn around and misuse it as well.

I'm glad you've asked about it.

i measure these from the center back of the neck to the sleeve hem. you describe it very nicely

Underarms are very deep set, and sleeves are cut as part of the body of the coat in back and have a shoulder seam in front.

It appears rather shapeless with same measurements for bust, waist and hips.
Click to expand...

We have heard these referred to as shift coats, which makes more sense, as a shift dress is one "with little to no shaping".

my mom wore this type of coat in the 60s and into the 70s, too.
 
Alice, not sure exactly what the proper term for this style would be (I just usually avoid calling them a certain style when I list them--lol!). Is the hem circumference narrower than the body at the body's widest point? Or is that the perspective that's giving me this impression? If the hemline narrows in, I would call it a "modified sack coat." It's not quite a proper sack from the 50s, but as the shift dress evolved from the sack dress, I think this style of coat evolved from the sack coat.

But I must agree that even from the photos, the fabric looks absolutely wonderful, and the coat looks very well constructed. I should think this was a "good" coat in its day.
 
Hi Anne,

Without a maker label, I think it helps to have a "popular term" for Etsy buyers to relate to, but maybe I will just play up the "well constructed" part. - it is fabulous and in excellent condition.

The bust, waist & hip all measure in at 49" and the hem at 51", so I guess "shift coat" would be more accurate than modified sack. I have also seen the term "Jackie O" coats used a lot, but I see that as more fitted.
 
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