A day dress from the years just after the war, when fabric was precious and every seam had to earn its place. The navy rayon crepe has a fine, dry grain that holds its shape. The waist is shaped by tucks sewn in straight lines, so the skirt opens below them without a single dart. The collar lies flat and wide, and the buttons are set in two neat rows. It is a dress that makes you stand a little taller. Today it goes to work, to lunch, or to a gallery on a Sunday, with flat shoes and a straw bag.
Navy crepe day dress with pintucks, 1940s
Example piece.
A navy rayon crepe day dress from just after the war, shaped by fine tucks at the waist and closed with two rows of buttons.
One of one.
The story
Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Decade | |
| Material | Rayon |
| Color | Blue |
| Condition | Excellent |
| Condition notes | No flaws we can see; the crepe is crisp and the color even. |
| Estimated modern fit | About a modern M, US 6 to 8 (approximate; please check the measurements) |
| Bust (flat) | 19 in (48 cm) |
| Waist (flat) | 14.5 in (37 cm) |
| Hips (flat) | 20 in (51 cm) |
| Shoulders | 15 in (38 cm) |
| Sleeve length | 9 in (23 cm) |
| Length (shoulder to hem) | 46 in (117 cm) |
| Fit notes | Please check the waist. |
| Label | None |
| Construction | Rayon crepe. Double-breasted front with pearly buttons. Wide notched collar. Vertical pintucks shape the waist. Short puffed sleeves; metal side zip. |
How we measure
Dresses are measured flat, seam to seam, in inches with centimetres; double a flat width for the full round. Compare with a dress you own that fits you well.
The condition scale
Excellent: worn or used with care; no flaws we can see.
Very good: light signs of age, each one named in the details and shown in the photos.
Good: visible wear or an old repair, named and photographed; still ready to wear or use.
Fair: clear flaws or a repair it needs, named and photographed; chosen for its beauty or its history.
Shipping and returns
Shipping and returns details will be published before the store opens.








