Rare Original 1940s Volup Vintage Cherry Red Gabardine Skirt Suit

This stunning suit was made in the 1940s from fine cherry red wool. It was cut in the classic hourglass silhouette of the period with padded shoulders and a nipped waist. The rounded off notched lapel collar leads to a single row of five buttons that fasten the blazer and beautiful sculptural seam work emphasises the wearer’s shape. A double loop appliqué adds a wonderful detail to the left shoulder and turn up cuffs finish off the sleeves beautifully. Inside, the blazer is lined in red crepe and has a maker’s label for Whitley-ette and a retailer’s tag for The Fair Store, a renowned department store in Kankakee. The matching skirt was cut in a gentle A line and fastens with an original metal side zipper and button closure above. 

Jacket

Bust: 40”

Waist: 34”

Shoulders: 16 1/2” seam to seam

Skirt

Waist: 32” plus 1 1/2” to move the button 

Hips: 44”

Length: 25” plus 2” hem

The suit is in very good condition with only a few tiny marks and pinholes and some slight 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 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.