Vintage 1940s Dress - Lipstick Red Rayon Gabardine Front Metal Zipper Shirtwaist w 25 Bakelite Buttons! Size M to L

♛Details

Vintage 1940s lipstick red rayon gabardine shirtwaist dress, trimmed up with its original shiny black catseye buttons, 25 in all -- they feel/sound like Bakelite. Shoulder pads, knife-sharp collar + cuffs, hidden front metal zipper, hip pockets, A-line skirt. Wears like steel and is striking as all get out.

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•Closures: front metal zipper, snap

All accessories (belts, jewelry, crinolines, pins, etc.) are for style inspiration only unless indicated.

♛Measurements

Fits like an estimated modern size M to L cusp; please allow room for ease and the kind of fit you prefer. Interior fabric allowances to allow tailoring larger or smaller.

Bust (underarm area measured flat, then doubled) about 44" (cut with a little extra room to fit properly as a "shirt")

Waist to about 30" unbelted

Hips to about 50"/full (~10" down from waist seam)

Shoulder to waist seam about 15 3/4"

Shoulder to hem about 40" and has almost 2" hem

Sleeves about 9 1/2"

Shoulders suit about 15 1/2" - 16 1/2"

♛Condition

Great vintage shape. Sturdy fabric, deep color, held up well to hand-washing.

Nitpicks: there were two tiny (grain of rice-sized) grey marks on the lower skirt zipper placket that are all but erased now after cleaning. I can't make anything out in "normal" lighting or get them to show up in a photograph, definitely won't be noticed during wear or display.

The neckline once had a tiny hidden button to correspond with its button-loop; button is missing. Easy to replace if you want to wear it buttoned at the neck!

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Our pieces are true vintage with a history and a past life, not newly made reproductions. Minor signs of previous use and age are normal and expected for all true vintage pieces. Flaws and issues are carefully noted/photographed, and our detailed photos give you a good idea of the look of each garment. We're happy to answer any questions you might have to help you with online purchasing.