Need help dating this nautical dress

S

SalvageLife

Registered Guest
I am trying to date this dress and need your help! The neckline and length suggest 30's, but it has a center back zipper. The zipper is Talon metal with painted teeth. Is it possible to have a center back zipper in something older than the 50's? Seams are unfinished and there is no label. The hem has been folded and then zig zagged along the edge, then appears to be hand stitched in place. The fabric is a slinky, jersey knit with a slight shine, maybe rayon? Any help would be much appreciated, thank you!








 
Ok, so I did a burn test and I don't think it's polyester, it seems to be acetate. Does this change anything. Also, it is really tiny, and I know that doesn't determine the age, but it does seem that it is more common to find very small dresses that are older. The waist is 20" unstretched, stretches to about 23 or 24. Bust is 28" unstretched, etc.
 
No, the fabrication wouldn't indicate an older vintage, in this case. Good for you, for taking the extra step to try and determine the fiber; that's important information, whatever the decade.
In the 70's, I would have worn this size, so it's not really all that small. But I know what you are saying.

The very cute print is the thing here, the way I see it.
 
In the late 60s - early 70s, I made a lot of my own clothes. Sometimes from a nylon acetate, which is what I think yours is made of. If I recall correctly, I used metal zippers then, too.

Of course, I lived in a teensy town & the only fabric store was owned by my mom!
 
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