Indian Cotton Gauze Double Strap Sundress – Rare 1970s Block Print Dress

A beautiful and unusual Indian cotton gauze sundress dating to the 1970s. Pieces like this were part of the wave of Indian textiles imported into Europe during the era, loved for their featherlight cotton, hand block printed fabrics and relaxed, romantic silhouettes.

What makes this dress particularly special is the double strap construction, a detail that is quite rarely seen on Indian cotton dresses of this period. The softly gathered skirt and delicate lace trim create an effortless, feminine shape, while the tiny frosted buttons at the empire seam add a subtle decorative detail.

The dress can be worn with the button placket at the front or the back depending on preference. Worn with the buttons at the front it creates a slightly deeper bust line; worn reversed it gives more coverage. The fabric itself is an exceptionally soft cotton gauze that has become beautifully worn over time.

It is the kind of dress that feels just as right on the hottest summer days as it does layered with a cardigan and boots in early autumn — light, romantic, easy and quietly sensual.

Zustand / Condition

Good wearable vintage condition. The dress shows signs of age and gentle wear including some small repairs and minor pinholes in the cotton gauze. These do not detract from the beauty or wearability of the piece and are reflected in the price.

Measurements (taken flat)

Bust (pit to pit): 41 cm / 16.1 in

Underbust (empire seam): 42 cm / 16.5 in

Bust depth with buttons at front: 10 cm / 3.9 in

Bust depth worn reversed: 16 cm / 6.3 in

Strap length: 20 cm / 7.9 in

Waist: 56 cm / 22 in

Hips: 78 cm / 30.7 in

Length (top of strap to hem): 121 cm / 47.6 in

Size

Approximate modern size: EU 36–40 depending on desired fit and bust

UK 8–12

US 4–8