Rare Original 1940s Vintage Navy Pinstripe Burtons Suit Wartime Conversion From Menswear

This wonderful suit was made in the 1940s from navy blue wool with a fine chalk stripe. It is a rare example of a wartime conversion where women left behind during the war converted the husband’s suits into womenswear to combat fabric shortages, a true make do and mend piece. The suit was crafted from an earlier Montague Burton’s men’s suit that would have been splendid in its own right. Padded shoulders and a nipped waist give it the classic hourglass silhouette of the period and the three pocket design serves as a reminder of the men’s jacket from which it originated. The sharp notched lapel collar leads to a single row of three buttons that fasten the blazer. Inside, the jacket is lined in blue satin and retains its original Burton’s maker’s label as well as the reorder tag inside the triangle trimmed lining pocket. The matching skirt was cut in a gentle A line with an inverted kick pleat at the back and fastens with an original metal side zipper and hook and popper closure above. 

Jacket

Bust: 33”

Waist: 30”

Shoulders: 13 1/2” seam to seam

Skirt

Waist: 24”

Hips: 36”

Length: 28”

The suit is in good condition with only some minor external flaws and some wear and discolouration to the lining as pictured. 

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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.