Large plastic zippers in the 30s and 40s?

[trellandjesus]

I am trying to clarify some information that I have heard. I know that there were some plastic zippers in the 30s and 40s, but were they common place on the side of dresses in the 30s/40s? I am pretty sure they were not, but correct me if I am wrong.

 

[trellandjesus]

I am talking about original zippers, not replaced ones.

 

[cactusandcattails]

I dont think they were common on dresses at all during that time frame. The celluloid zippers were expensive and only a few high end designers like Schiaparelli experimented with them, as far as I know.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Schiaparelli used zippers in the '30s and I've also seen them on housecoats - but only in metal. I haven't seen (original) nylon/plastic zippers in anything pre-'60s. All the side zips I've seen were metal too (I'm excluding those that have been replaced of course).

Nicole

 

[MyVintageCocktail]

I've never seen a side plastic zipper on a dress from that timeframe, but I'm sure that some folks here have had (I never have) housedresses/housecoats from the 40s that have large plastic zips down the front.

 

[retro ruth]

This page on the V&A site has some good info and pictures of early plastic/celluloid zips from Schiaparelli (scroll down the page).

Apparently the metal zip patent ran out in the early 30s so that's when plastic zippers first appeared.

 

[trellandjesus]

Golden age how do you add a link, I am trying to add this link to another board. Great infor BTW.

 

[Jonathan]

I have a white plastc side zipper in a peach lace evening dress from c. 1938ish, and a large black plastic centre front zip in an 'at home' dress from c. 1938-39. I don't think the early plastic zips were as common as the metal ones, but they were placed in the side, centre front and centre back.

 

[retro ruth]

@trell: On this site you mean? You do via the Post Reply button, rather than quick reply, and click on the 'add hyperlink' icon near the top next to formatting (a little earth with a chain link).

 

[trellandjesus]

Thanks for all of your input, there were plastic zippers, but they were not common place, thanks so much for helping me.

 

[avamac]

I've had them proudly displayed and clearly THE prominent design feature straight down the front of hostess/lounge/resort clothing from the 30s. Big old plastic zipper, often in a contrasting color.

 

[dorotheascloset]

I've had a couple of those really chunky early plastic ones on the sides of 30s dresses....pretty rare though

Ang

 

[coffeegrl]

Wow, this is really good to know - I thought it was all metal untill the 60's - that's why I love this site!

 

[Linn]

I'll take a close-up of the jacket's zipper in the next day or so. I don't remember if the zipper is plastic or metal but I think the color matches the fabric. This is the jacket that goes with the gown that I am wearing in my "avatar". I am pretty sure that it is late '30s. I wore the whole outfit to the Opera Ball last November, and wore the jacket with black pants in the "winter."

Linn

 

[Midge]

I don't know much about zippers - just want to say, Linn, that jacket is gorgeous!

Karin

 

[trellandjesus]

That jacket is smashing!

 

[APrizeEveryTime]

Trell, is the zipper you're asking about the one pictured in the thread on eBay's VC&A public message board titled, "Can you help me with dating this dress?" White pique and chemical lace, originally posted July 20?

 

[Linn]

I scanned a couple of pictures of the jacket which give more detail. The zipper is a Talon and is metal. The zipper on the dress is also metal but is a different maker. The brand on the gown is Kover-Zip, which I can find no information on. Here are two more pictures of the jacket. I am wearing the gown underneath.

Linn