1930s Collared Day Dress

Original 1930s Homemade Day Dress with Collar and Velvet Ribbon Bow – Interwar Simplicity with Feminine Flair

This beautifully preserved 1930s day dress is a charming example of interwar home sewing — modest, practical, and filled with subtle grace. Made from a lightweight mint green fabric printed with a scattered navy floral-inspired motif, it features short sleeves, a gently flared skirt, and a rounded collar finished with a navy velvet ribbon bow at the neckline.

Although designed for casual wear, the skirt incorporates a subtle bias cut, especially at the back, giving it a soft drape and ease of movement. This clever shaping adds a hint of elegance to an otherwise everyday silhouette — a hallmark of 1930s dressmaking, even in handmade garments.

Homemade dresses like this were sewn with care and ingenuity, often using commercial patterns or local tailoring guides. They were worn to do the shopping, welcome visitors, or stroll into town — practical yet personal garments that balanced dignity and domestic life. This one slips on over the head, making it as easy to wear now as it was nearly a century ago.

📌 Condition: Very good vintage condition. Fabric is strong and the structure is sound. Velvet ribbon is likely a later replacement, in keeping with the original style. No major flaws beyond minor signs of age. Freshly cleaned and ready to wear.

Key Details
Era: 1930s
Origin: Homemade
Fabric: Lightweight cotton or rayon blend (unlabelled)
Closure: None – slips on over the head
Features: Rounded collar, short sleeves, navy velvet bow, floral print, slight bias-cut shaping at back

 Best on approx. EU 36–38 / UK 8–10 / S-M, as this dress slips over the head so there needs to be room:
Bust (pit to pit): 53cm
Waist: 43cm
Shoulder to shoulder: 40cm
Length (shoulder to hem): 100cm

Please compare with a similar garment to ensure best fit.

Care Notes
Hand wash gently in cold water with a mild detergent. Do not wring. Dry flat or hang away from direct sunlight. Avoid machine washing or tumble drying. Store folded or on a padded hanger to protect the seams and shoulders.