Amazing Original 1940s 40s Vintage Rayon Jersey Novelty Print Dress

This gorgeous dress was made in the 1940s from a bright blue rayon jersey with a grey, white and yellow flower bud print. The fabric is so unbelievably flattering, nothing drapes and skins curves quite like rayon jersey. The dress is cut in a classic hourglass silhouette with padded shoulders and a nipped waist. The V neckline leads to a blousy pleated bust. Below the bust, a wrap style waist yolk highlights the fitted waist with a double breasted button arrangement. The waist is further cinched in with the original fabric belt. The front of the skirt is pleated to add wonderful movement to the dress. The elbow length sleeves are finished with turn up cuffs and the dress fastens with an original metal side zipper. Inside, the dress has a label for Jeannie Brand Jersey and those cute press stud clips for holding your bra straps in place. 

Bust: 36”

Waist: 26” (tight 28”)

Hips: 42”

Length: 43 1/2”

The dress is in good condition, however there are a few small holes, marks and repairs as pictured as well as some seam stress. Some of the seams have been overlocked, as is common with rayon jersey of this period, to prevent fraying. 

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This garment is available to purchase with or without dress shields. These clever little contraptions have been made by our seamstress to an original 1940s pattern and can be simply attached to your garment by tack stitching at the corners of the underarm seam, pinning (we wouldn’t recommend that, it hurts if it goes wrong, so if you try this, it is at your own risk only) or inserting tiny poppers. They then stand ready to absorb any sweat and body odours as needed and you can simply detach and launder them instead of your garment, saving you a fortune in dry cleaning bills.

They are equally suitable for suits, blazers and dresses and come in two different options:

1. Pure cream cotton for your heavier weight dresses, blazers and suits

or

2. White cotton muslin for lightweight summer dresses (so they don’t show through the fabric)

They are universally sized and super easy to use even for a sewing novice as only a couple of tiny stitches are required at each side to secure them.

We sell Dress Shields as a standalone item or at a discount if you purchase them with a garment. We will select the appropriate type to match the garment you have purchased.