New York 238: 1930s Uncut Petite Misses Sun Dress 29 B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original 1933-1934 New York Pattern No. 238 - Juniors' and Misses' Dress
Original 1933-1934 New York Pattern No. 238 for a juniors' and misses' front-closing dress with attached revers. The waist can be made with long or short set-in sleeves, or sleeveless with cut-out armholes and a deep V back; a three-piece circular skirt attaches under a removable belt. Dated via Vintage4me2's own New York Pattern Company catalog cross-reference. Factory Folded and Unused.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: New York Pattern No. 238
- Year: 1933-1934 (dated via Vintage4me2's New York Pattern catalog cross-reference; also bears the NRA Blue Eagle stamp, 1933-1935)
- Garment: Juniors' and Misses' Dress
- Size: 11 Years (29" Bust, 32" Hip)
- Condition: Factory Folded
Design
New York 238 is a front-closing waist finished with attached revers, offered with long or short set-in sleeves. Perforations built into the pattern allow it to be cut sleeveless instead, with large armholes and a deep V-shaped opening at the back of the waist for a cooler, more revealing summer version. A three-piece circular skirt attaches beneath a removable belt, giving the dress a soft, gently flared skirt that could be dressed up or down depending on the sleeve and neckline options chosen.
A Moment in Fashion History
This pattern appears in Vintage4me2's own New York Pattern Company catalog, shown in a striking red version with a wide-brimmed hat and matching sash-tied shoulder detail, right alongside pattern 220, a similarly styled shirtwaist dress. The dress's NRA Blue Eagle stamp dates it to the brief 1933-1935 window when American garment makers displayed the emblem to signal compliance with National Recovery Administration codes. Built for a junior or young misses' figure, the pattern's flexible sleeve and neckline options reflect how even everyday dresses of the early 1930s were designed to convert between demure daytime wear and a more open, warm-weather look.
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 Company envelope.
Connections
This pattern shared a page in the same New York Pattern Company catalog with New York 220, a companion shirtwaist-style dress cut for the same active, warm-weather wardrobe. Explore our ongoing exhibit showcasing casual looks for girls and women moving through history, Sporty Looks for Active Gals.
