1930s Black & White Embroidered Peasant Penny Lane Blouse

A truly special peasant blouse dating to the 1930s, distinguished by its immaculate hand embroidery and striking black-and-white colourway. Pieces of this quality and age are increasingly rare, particularly in such a timeless and wearable palette.

The embroidery is exceptionally well preserved, with crisp contrast and beautiful detail across the chest, sleeves, and cuffs. The graphic black and white combination is not only visually striking but also unusually practical for a garment of this era — endlessly versatile and easy to integrate into both modern and vintage wardrobes.

The fabric is unlabelled and exact fibre content is unknown. Based on handle and appearance, it is consistent with fine blouse fabrics used in the 1930s, but no definitive material claim is made. The blouse has a softly gathered body, long sleeves with embroidered detailing, and a gently shaped neckline that can be worn open or layered.

A rare, wearable example of 1930s folk-inspired design — decorative yet grounded, expressive yet timeless.

Condition 

Very good vintage condition.

The embroidery is remarkably intact and clean.

Light, age-appropriate signs of wear consistent with a garment of this age.

Measurements 

Pit to pit: 54 cm / 21.3 in

Waist (smocked, light elastication): approx. 40 cm relaxed / 15.7 in

Hem: 41 cm / 16.1 in

Sleeve length: 58 cm / 22.8 in

Shoulders: peasant-style construction (no fixed shoulder seam)

Total length: 45 cm / 17.7 in

This blouse has a softly gathered peasant cut with light smocking at the waist. The elastication is moderate rather than highly stretchy, giving shape without clinging. The generous bust and relaxed shoulder line allow some flexibility in fit, but the shorter length means it sits best on smaller to mid sizes.

Best suited for approximately EU 36–40 (UK 8–12 / US 4–8). On smaller sizes it wears relaxed and slightly blousey; on the upper end of this range it becomes more fitted through the bust and waist and sits higher on the body.