New York 524: 1930s Chic Uncut Misses Tunic Dress Sz 38 B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original circa 1933-1934 New York Pattern No. 524 - Ladies' and Misses' Two-Piece Dress
Original circa 1934-1935 New York Pattern No. 524 for a Ladies' and Misses' two-piece dress. This design pairs a tunic-blouse, perforated so it can be cut to a shorter length, with a side-closing two-piece skirt. Long or short set-in sleeves extend over the shoulders to the neck, finished with a soft tie collar and cinched at the waist with a belt. Factory Folded and Unused.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: New York No. 524
- Year: Circa 1933-1934
- Garment: Ladies' and Misses' Two-Piece Dress (Tunic-Blouse and Skirt)
- Size: 20 (38" Bust, 41" Hip)
- Condition: Factory Folded
Design
The tunic-blouse at the heart of this design is perforated so it can be shortened, letting one pattern produce two different proportions against the same side-closing two-piece skirt. Sleeves extend over the shoulder line all the way to the neck, whether set long or short, for the soft, draped cap seen elsewhere in the era's blouses. A collar and self-fabric tie finish the neckline, while a belt marks the waist -- together reading as a single coordinated dress even though it's built from two separate pieces. Ten pattern pieces in all.
A Moment in Fashion History
Two-piece "dresses" like this one -- a tunic-blouse worn over a coordinating skirt -- gave the look of a single garment while offering the practical benefits of separates underneath: easier laundering, and the option to lengthen or shorten the blouse without touching the skirt at all. Sleeves that extend to the neckline rather than a conventional shoulder seam were a distinctive mid-1930s device for softening the upper body through drape.
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 New York Pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our ongoing exhibit, In Name Only -- a growing collection of New York Patterns and Own Name Patterns from the 1930s. Come take a look.
