C. Late 1930s / 1940s patriotic red white and blue candy stripe faille dress with early plastic zipper

I am not sure if it’s been homemade or not, but this dress has some lovely details - flutter effect over heavily puffed and cuffed sleeves, and an interesting early plastic side zip with original pull. the skirt has inverted pleats which create a large central panel to the front.

I’m pretty sure it’s *not* been altered from a longer dress.. but not absolutely certain. Bound neckline, possibly worn with a detachable collar? I can imagine it with a middy or sailor style, or wear with a contrasting scarf? Feels like a ribbed celanese or other lightweight manmade fabric - like Art Deco tennis dresses I’ve had in the past.

I’ve shown it with a detachable belt which I added, and is included as I happened to have it in my stash. It’s actually a 30s nurses belt, which has had a buckle tacked into place but happens to be quite a good match!

Measures:  XS - I think U.K. 6/8 

Condition: 

Overall has a bit of a homesewn feel with some slightly skewed seams (being fussy), but construction all secure. Pull to zipper has worn covering to cord attachment but still works. Hand washed and then steamed by me, but could probably do with ironing when damp (with a fairly cool iron) to get rid of the remaining creases as my steamer just didn’t cut it! Aside from that it’s ready to wear.