Exceptional Original 1940s Vintage Butter Yellow Bustle Back Skirt Suit

This exceptional skirt suit was made in the 1940s from soft yellow Galakool rayon, one of the unnoticed fabrics of the time, created to mirror linen but in a lighter more draping weight. It was cut in the classic hourglass silhouette of the period with super strong padded shoulders and a nipped waist. The sharp collar emphasises the shoulder line and leads to an unusual wrap over press stud fastening at the front of the jacket. The waist is cinched in with shirring along the sides and all the way around the back of the blazer to create that iconic fitted line. The shape is further enhanced by the wonderful bustle back peplum with its flowing pleats and three buttons add a beautiful detail to each side of the jacket. The oversized turn up cuffs finish off the wide cut sleeves perfectly and inside the jacket is unlined with a Flora Roberts Selection retailer’s tag and a maker’s label for Galakool, a fabric invented by Burlington Mills. The matching skirt was cut in a gentle A line with darting at the hip and fastens with an original metal side zipper and button closure above. 

Jacket

Bust: up to 40”

Waist: 28” 

Shoulders: 17” edge to edge

Skirt

Waist: 25”

Hips: 38”

Length: 29” plus 2 1/2” hem

The suit us in very good condition with only a few very minor flaws as pictured. There would likely once have been a matching belt but this is no longer present and there are safety pins inside the sleeves to hold the turn up cuffs perfectly in place.

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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 pure white cotton.

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.