Description
This deadstock dress from the late 1950s or early 1960s in black cotton piqué has the hourglass shape of the era, enhanced by a wide belt to cinch the waist. The sleeveless bodice has a high, round neckline and darts for shaping the bust. The pencil-style, straight skirt has small pleats in front below the waist seam, to add a bit of extra fullness at the hips. The back of the dress has an unusual design feature: wide, flat pleats on each side from shoulder to waist and waist to hem. (I have lightened a close-up photo of the pleats from the side, to show them a bit better.) There is also a small kick pleat at the back hem.
The dress is unlined, and fastens in back with a metal zipper. The self-fabric belt is stamped size 20 ½ on its back side, telling us that this dress is a vintage “half size” or petite. See the measurements below, for more details about fit. Oddly, the matching belt is about 2 sizes larger than the dress waist—perhaps a manufacturer flaw? The actual measurements of the dress correspond more closely to a vintage size 16 ½, for reference. This mis-match in size could be remedied by making new holes in the belt, or wearing a different belt, of course. You could also use some of the fabric in the large flat pleats to increase the size of the dress, if you are handy with a needle.
Never worn, in excellent to mint condition, this crisp black cotton piqué, true vintage 1950s-60s dress is a very versatile style. It will go from a day at work to a fancy evening out, with just a change of accessories!
Size: approx. modern S to M petite.
- Bust: 40 inches flat, with a bit of extra cup room. Should fit approx. 38 to 40 max.
- Dress waist: 31 inches flat, to fit up to 30 max.
- Hips: 40 inches flat, to fit up to 38 max.
- Length: 43 inches from shoulder to waist in front.
- Underarm to waist: 7 inches (slightly petite).
- Waist to hem: 27 inches.
- Shoulder to shoulder: 14 inches.
- Sweep/skirt width at hem: 40 inches flat.
- *Belt waist size: 34 to 38 inches, with current holes.
- Label: none present (remnants of original hangtag string still attached at left arm opening)
