Is this dress from the 1940s?

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ellenm

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The material feels like thick nylon jersey. It buttons at the left side. The length goes to the floor.

It looks 40s to me, but I know nothing but what I see in old movies. Thanks for your help.
 
Yes, I think it is. It wouldn't be nylon, though. It would have to be rayon. Have you tried doing a burn test on the fabric?

I've had great luck selling 40s dresses lately, btw. There are people who do WWII re-enactments, and the USO gals are always looking for this kind of dress!

Lizzie
 
I know it should be rayon, Liz, but it feels so much like nylon. It's kind of silky feeling. I guess rayon can be silky feeling, huh?
 
What a gorgeous gown--and in such a great color--and with so much beautiful beading. Nice find!

My first reaction is 30s, though. I think it's because I associate that gathering at the shoulders of the bodice and the full, but simply-cut skirt with 30s. Is it drop-waisted? The button side, versus a metal side zipper, is more typical for 30s, also.

Here's one I had that was 'sort of' similar, in rayon crepe...

<img src="http://www.otherworldlystuff.com/30sivo7.jpg"><br><br><img src="http://www.otherworldlystuff.com/30sivo3.jpg"><br><br>

At any rate, I hear "bling, bling!" :)

Steph
 
The waist is not very low, but it is lower than I would expect to see on a modern dress. The waist is not dropped as low as your example, Steph. It is a knit fabric. Could it be silk jersey?
 
The button closure is indeed old fashioned in the 40s, but I have seen it still in use.
It's something of a classic dress - these features all stayed in style for quite a bit. So 1938 - 1944 would be safe. But it could go even later - 1946 or so.

Hollis
 
Ah, cool. It sounds like the 1939-1946/WWII category fits pretty well. Sorry, I don't know about the fabric. I'm thinking you mean it stretches? I have had one 40s gown that was labeled a rayon/acetate blend and felt much silkier than similar rayon ones I'd had. ?
 
Hollis, what do you think about the fabric?

It could be silk jersy, couldn't it? But not during the war years, as it was all going for parachutes.
 
Well. It could be rayon or an early knit. They are very slick and have a "wet" hand.They tend to feel cold to the touch rather than warm. Rayon usually feels warm. At least to me.

This is a knit 40s dress I have right now. I don't know the fiber content. I could a burn test in a bit I suppose.

<img src=http://members.aol.com/montyholly/knitprint.jpg>

Hollis
 
I think this is late 30s also...and it is lovely. Rayon at the beginning
was marketted as 'artificial silk', so I would bet this is rayon also.

Sue
 
Thanks for the suggestions. The hem is very dirty from being dragged along the floor, I suppose. Do you think I should have it drycleaned or attempt to handwash it?
 
Unless you have a dry cleaner who is "of the old school," I'd tackle that myself. I hate to even consider taking vintage anything to the jack-in-the-box-on-every-corner dry cleaners who were just looking for a good franchise investment. I like old grandpa's whose storefronts are in the older part of town and actually know what rayon and silk are.

Brenda
 
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