1940s Vintage Simplicity Pattern 1620 Little Girls Summer Play Suit Set Sz 10
Original circa 1946 Simplicity Pattern No. 1620 - Girls' Midriff Top, Shorts and Skirt
Original circa 1946 Simplicity Printed Pattern No. 1620 for a girls' three-piece playwear set: a midriff top, matching shorts, and a separate full skirt, offered in two styles. Style I is gathered and drawstring-tied at the neckline and sleeves, with a bloomer-style short bound and tied at the leg opening. Style II pairs a banded midriff top with a fuller, crosswise-striped skirt. Complete Nice Condition, with a professionally repaired envelope.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Simplicity No. 1620
- Year: Circa 1946
- Garment: Girls' Midriff Top, Shorts, and Skirt (2 Styles)
- Size: 10 (28" Breast, 24" Waist)
- Condition: Complete Nice Condition
- Envelope Condition: Damaged Envelope, Professionally Repaired
Design
Simplicity 1620 offers a mix-and-match approach to warm-weather playwear. The midriff top is gathered to a fitted band at the lower edge, with raglan sleeves and a casing at the neckline for a drawstring finish. The shorts are gathered at the upper edge and joined to a waistband, with gathered, bound lower edges that tie into a bow at a small side opening. A separate full skirt gathers to its own waistband, allowing the top to be paired with either the shorts for active play or the skirt for a dressier look. Ten pattern pieces are given in all, with side openings on top, shorts, and skirt finished in snap fasteners and hooks and eyes.
A Moment in Fashion History
Two-piece midriff sets became a popular warm-weather staple for girls in the mid-1940s, offering a playful, practical alternative to a full dress for active outdoor wear. Simplicity 1620 leans into this versatility by including a separate skirt alongside the shorts, letting one top serve two very different occasions. Like many patterns of its era, it was also marketed as a "Mother and Daughter Fashion," with a coordinating adult design offered for the two to wear together.
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 Simplicity pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our ongoing exhibit, Sporty Looks for Active Gals - a growing collection celebrating active, playful designs for the sporting girl. Come take a look.
