Original circa 1939 New York Pattern No. 725 - Ladies' and Misses' Front-Closing Dress

Original circa 1939 New York Pattern No. 725 for a Ladies' and Misses' front-closing dress. The waist can be made with a high neck and round collar, or an open neck with pointed collar instead, offered with long or short sleeves. The attached three-piece flared skirt can be made in a shorter length or left full, finished with patch pockets at the front and a removable belt. Factory Folded and Unused.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: New York No. 725
• Year: Circa 1939
• Garment: Ladies' and Misses' Front-Closing Dress
• Size: 18 (36" Bust, 39" Hip)
• Condition: Factory Folded

Design

This dress gives real choice at both the neckline and the hem. A high neck with a soft round collar reads as the more modest option, while an open neck with a pointed collar offers something a touch more relaxed -- either paired with long or short sleeves as the season demands. The three-piece flared skirt is perforated so it can be made shorter for daytime, or left at its fuller, floor-sweeping length for evening. Patch pockets at the front add a practical touch even to the dressier version, and a removable belt marks the waist. Ten pattern pieces in all.

A Moment in Fashion History

A single pattern built to serve both a shorter daytime length and a full-length evening version reflects the real economy home dressmakers valued at the end of the 1930s -- one set of pieces yielding two very different occasions of wear. The choice between a round or pointed collar gave a further, smaller way to vary the same basic silhouette.

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.