Original 1940s Volup Pinstriped Shirtwaister Dress With Sharp Dagger Collar
1940s Dove Grey Shirtwaister Dress with Dagger Collar, Decorative Buttons & Sharp Pocket Detail
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A refined and cleverly constructed 1940s shirtwaister dress in soft dove grey, finely pinstriped in blue and red. This piece combines utilitarian elegance with precise tailoring, resulting in a garment that is as visually sharp as it is wearable.
The standout feature is its striking dagger collar, exaggerated to dramatic effect and finished with button detailing at each point — an eye-catching touch that elevates the otherwise simple neckline. The silhouette is defined by a darted bodice and nipped-in waist, closing with a full-length button-through front, classic to the period.
Most impressively, the pockets mirror the collar’s pointed shape, cutting sharply into the hip with a triangular finish that draws the eye and reinforces the strong lines of the design. They’re neatly set into the side panels — practical, but never without purpose or style.
Crafted from a lightweight suiting fabric with a softly structured drape, this dress is ideal for regular vintage wear and re-enactment alike.
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Features
• Era: 1940s
• Fabric: Medium weight cotton
• Colour: Dove grey with red and blue pinstripe
• Features:
• Full-length shirtwaister button front
• Striking dagger collar with decorative button tips
• Sharp, angular pockets echoing collar design
• Darted bodice and softly flared skirt
• Short sleeves with plain cuff finish
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Measurements
• Bust: 42”
• Waist: 34”
• Hips: 45”
• Length (nape to hem): 43 3/4”
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Condition
Good condition with some slight shoulder fade and light discolouration in a few places as pictured.
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Why You’ll Love It
An ideal foundation for 1940s daywear — team with structured heels and a tilt hat for a period-authentic look, or dress it down with knitwear and flats. The collar’s sharp line makes this piece particularly striking layered under coats or cardigans.
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4848
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.