Original 1940s 40s Vintage Magenta Print Belted Gabardine Dress

This wonderful dress was made in the 1940s from gabardine with an abstract leaf print in shades of magenta and black. It was cut in the classic hourglass silhouette of the period with padded shoulders and a nipped waist. The waist can be further cinched in with the original matching fabric belt. The small collar leads to an interesting wrap over design fastened with six black buttons in a double breasted configuration. This panel continues to run down the skirt giving it additional structure. 

Bust: 34”

Waist: 30” but cinched smaller using the belt

Hips: 39”

Length: 40” plus 2” hem

The dress is in very good condition with only a couple of tiny nibbles and marks as pictured which are only visible on very close inspection.  

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.

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