Vintage 20s Rust Lace Flapper Dress Drop Waist Handkerchief Hem VFG
A classic flapper dress, flattering, comfortable, and easy to wear - and that color! Wearable, but flawed - please review details in Condition Report. The sleeveless bodice is simply styled, with scoop neck and drop waist. The seams of the lace and silk layers are sewn together on the bodice. The two layers are completely separate for the skirt. The skirt is designed with a sewn panel that reminds me of a hip sash - it curves up near the left side and the lace skirt overlaps there and opens. A soft self-lace swag is sewn on there as an accent. The lower skirt is swingy, with assymmetrical handkerchief hem.
SIZE: No size label
| Measurements | Inches | Cm |
| Bust | 38" | 96.5 |
| Approximate natural waist | 37" | 94 |
| Drop Waist circumference | 36" | 91.5 |
| Hips | 36" | 91.5 |
| Bodice length from shoulder seam to drop waist | 20.5" | 52 |
| Lace skirt length, shortest/longest | 20"/25" | 51/63 |
| Sweep of inner skirt | 42" | 106.5 |
FABRIC/COLORS: I would describe the lace outerdress color as burnt orange, and the underdress as persimmon. The underdress is light weight woven silk. The lace outerdress is most likely rayon.
TAGS: No tags
CLOSURES: N/A, this slips on over the head.
CONDITION: The dress is wearable as is, but the underdress has shattering in areas that were exposed to increased body heat during wear - underarms, lower front bodice, a bit on the upper back and one area of skirt - see closeups. One of the seams of the underskirt has frayed despite the French seaming - see closeup. If I were going to keep and wear this dress, I would probably remove the underskirt and use that fabric to reinforce and patch the bodice as needed. One could also add lightweight muslin to reinforce problem areas from the inside with minimal sewing skills.
The lace seems strong, and even stretchy, but I did find a few small holes - one on the upper bodice near the neckline on the wearer's right - see closeup. Also a couple near the hem - see other closeup.
I measure the outside of garments, unless stated otherwise.
For menswear, the chest is measured at armpit level.
For womenswear, the bust is measured a little below armpit level, including the room created by darts or gathers.
Waist will be measured if there is one, and hips are measured about 9" below waist level. Sleeves are measured from shoulder seam or an approximation in the absence of a shoulder seam. Garment length is measured from the back of the neck, unless otherwise stated.
The measurement numbers refer to the garment, not the body inside. For best fit, measure a similar type of garment which fits you well and compare.
If the garment is shown on Josephine, my mannequin, her measurements are 31/24.5/34". Sometimes she wears a padded bra. My live models measurements vary depending on the day and year, and I don't ask them to share that.