1940s Barkcloth Autumnal Leaves Dress

A fabulous piece from the late 1940s, this barkcloth dress is a vibrant, warm display of autumnal colors - brown, yellow, orange, green, and teal - atop a cream background. The grown-on cap sleeve and notched neckline make for flattering features, while the side metal lapped zipper and wide waistband complete the look. Expert craftsmanship is evident in the interlining of the waistband and skirt in cotton before assembly, and also in the hand ladder stitching and hem tape used to finish the hem. Indicative of the care put into its creation, there are no garment labels suggesting this was a commercially made dress, however it is of a very high quality, featuring some couture details, including fastening lingerie straps at the shoulders.

Condition

Good condition with some small issues - there are a few pulls in the fabric, all of which are lost in the pattern of the dress and not noticeable when on.  These could also be pulled back and corrected if desired but requires removing the neck facing and interlining to access the rear of the pulled threads. There are two pulls to the front of the dress near the mid bottom of the skirt, one on the back neck in line with the facing, one in the centre back bodice, on the back near the left hip and one near the edge of the back right sleeve. All shown in close up photographs and has been considered in the price.

Measurements and details
All vintage clothing is measured with the garment flat and measurements doubled for width. Please compare these measurements to a garment that fits you well as often there is very little or no give in vintage fabrics.

Bust: 42 inches
Waist: 32 inches
Hips:  44 inches
Sleeve opening: 14 inches 
Length from shoulder to top of waistband: 13 inches
Length of waistband: 6 inches
Length from bottom of waistband to hem of skirt: 25 1/2 inches

Fabric: Barkcloth

Alterations: There are no useable seam allowances but there is a very generous 3" hem.