Hollywood 1788: 1930s Misses Pre WWII Sun Dress Sz 36 B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original circa 1939 Hollywood Pattern No. 1788 - Sun Frock and Jacket
Original circa 1939 Hollywood Pattern No. 1788, part of Hollywood's "Pattern of Youth" line, for a misses' sun frock and jacket. Offered in four views: a floral frock with round bow-tied collar and short puff sleeves worn under a short fitted jacket, a striped bodice and skirt combination without the jacket, and a sleeveless sun dress version with a sweetheart neckline on slim straps. A shaped mid-section joins the four-piece circular skirt to the fitted bodice throughout, and the jacket's high neck finishes in a plain or scalloped collar. Complete and in Nice Condition. The original instruction sheet is damaged; a professionally repaired working copy is included so the original can be preserved.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Hollywood No. 1788
- Year: Circa 1939
- Garment: Sun Frock and Jacket
- Size: 18 (36" Bust, 39" Hip)
- Pattern Condition: Complete Nice Condition
- Instructions: Original damaged; professionally repaired working copy included
Design
Thirteen pattern pieces build this versatile warm-weather set. A shaped mid-section joins the four-piece circular skirt to the fitted bodice top, giving the skirt its soft, full movement. The short fitted jacket buttons to a high neckline finished with either a plain or scalloped collar, and very short sleeves close with turned-back cuffs. Removing the jacket reveals the sun dress beneath - a sweetheart-necklined, strappy design suited to the warmest days. The envelope suggests printed silk, silk crepe, faille, taffeta, novelty cotton, rayon challis, linen, gingham, or pique, giving a sense of the range of fabrics home sewers reached for with this pattern.
A Moment in Fashion History
By the late 1930s, the sun dress and matching cover-up jacket had become a wardrobe staple, offering a practical solution for warm days that could still convert to appropriate daytime coverage with the jacket in place. Hollywood Pattern 1788 was issued under the company's "Pattern of Youth" banner, printed prominently down the envelope's spine, reflecting the more youthful market Hollywood aimed this and similar lines toward in the years just before the war.
Illustration
The cover illustration has been digitally restored and enhanced by Judy Yates to highlight the original fashion artwork while preserving the character and artistry of this historic Hollywood pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our ongoing exhibit, Women of WWII - a growing collection celebrating the resourcefulness and everyday style of wartime home sewing. Also part of Hollywood Glamour - celebrating the golden-age film stars who shaped Hollywood Patterns' vision of glamour through the Depression and WWII years. Come take a look at either.
