Tips for dating vintage handmade!?!

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GreenVioletVintage

Registered Guest
I just love to find vintage handmade clothing because you can tell how much love and care was put into each garment and because it is often in a larger size. However, for the most part I find it almost impossible to date unless the style just screams a certain decade.

For example, this dress: :::EDITED:: Friends of the VFG are not allowed to post links to their selling site. You can post a picture of the dress in question, just no links. All the rules for posting on the boards are listed above in the "Forum Rules". Thank you!:::
I have a lot of reasoning as to why I guess 60s, but I'm not sure if it was right. To me, the style is sort of late 60s or 70s, but because it is not polyester I was less inclined to think it is from the 70s. However, because the seams are not finished (except with pinking shears) or are finished with a lacey ribbon, I began to think it was possibly older. But then there is elastic at the waist!

Ahhh! Clearly you can see why I am so confused. I would love to hear any general tips about dating handmade vintage or any specific advice you have for this dress.

Thanks so much!
 
I can't be certain- my guess is cotton but I can't ever be sure! Is there some sort of rule that might help me figure it out?

Whats your reasoning behind 70s? The cut of the dress? Or the details? Thanks so much, I'm trying to learn as much as I can!
 
Gosh I'm no expert but the cotton/poly blends come out of the washing machine almost dry. The texture is rougher than cotton. I've had a lot of 70's frocks made from that type of fabric. I guess with handmade clothing it can be really difficult to date because buttons or zips, may have been taken from a much older garment. I always think seam allowances are much more generous on older clothing as well, to account for later alterations. I just thought 70's when I first saw your dress but I could be completely wrong. It will be interesting to find out what other members say about it. :)
 
You're a scientist by trade, right? You could do a burn test, to determine likely fiber content. There are online directions. After a while, you'll be able to tell by touch and sight, the 100% cotton, vs. a cotton blend.

I agree with Louise, as the fabric looks 70's to me as well, due to weave and print. The buttons seem probably from that era, I'd say.
 
Oh, thanks! Very helpful! I've been hearing about burn tests, I'll look into that. If it is a blend is that probably further proof that it is 70s rather than earlier?
 
Hmm, my first thought was 60's, but then I thought 70s - when I don't know I put both in the tiltle, 60's 70s and I say that I'm not sure - alot of times the cuspers are hard to tell like that. It's really cute whatever era it is - as a buyer I don't mind if a seller puts 60's/70s - it's vintage no matter what, the only thing that bugs me is if a seller puts 60s and it's obviously 80s or 90s (and I like 80s vintage, just not when someone trys to pawn it off as 60s) - I also tag items as homemade not handmade on etsy for the homemade vintage since I didn't make it, I don't know if anyone searches that but that's how I tag things that are homemade :)
 
ahhh! good advice coffeegrl. Thanks to all for the feedback, I'm glad to see ya'll think I was around the right time frame. Sometimes I get something homemade and I think to myself "this has to be vintage", but then I get nervous that it might not be and someone just made something in a vintage style. But the fabric and everything on this seem very vintage to me!
 
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