Incredibly Rare Original 1940s 40s Vintage Emerald Green Gabardine Belted Suit With Bishop Sleeves

This incredible suit was made from rich emerald green gabardine in the 1940s. 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 using the original buckled fabric belt. The sharp dagger collar helps to emphasise the strong shoulder line which is defined through a distinct shoulder yolk from which small pleats emanate and run across the wearer’s bust. Four fabric covered buttons fasten the blazer at the front and matching buttons have been used on the cuffs of the bishop sleeves. Huge patch pockets with a lovely notched detail at the top, add a real design statement to the suit. Inside, the blazer is lined in brown crepe and has a maker’s label for Winkelman’s. The matching skirt was cut to a flattering longer length and fastens with an original metal side zipper and hook closure above.

Jacket

Bust: 36”

Waist: 28” but cinched in with the belt

Shoulders: 14 1/2” seam to seam 

Skirt

Waist: 24” with a bit of room to move the hook

Hips: 36”

Length: 31”

The suit is in very good condition with only a few tiny pinholes and frays and some slight discolouration to the inside of the collar and the lining as pictured.

4365

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.