Vintage 1970s pinafore style resort wear Ruth Clarage handprinted original - Kingston, Jamaica

Wonderfully cheerful 1970s shift shaped pinafore style dress, a Ruth Clarage ‘handprinted original’. There were a total of five Ruth Clarage stores at popular Jamaican resorts, and the clothing is always recognisably her design! 

This dress is almost neon pink in the sunshine - I took one outside photo as you can see - with a tropical fish print. There is a front patch pocket to centre, and two side pockets hidden in the seams which fasten with metal zippers. I think that’s a nice touch!

And an easy fit, as it’s a flared, almost a-line shape simply sits up over the head with no fastenings.

No content labels, but I would say it’s a polycotton as drip dries very nicely (and fast) - perfect holiday or beach wear! 

Measures: 

It’s shown unclipped on the mannequin and is obviously a bit loose in the bust - but not terrible. Size uk12 comfortably and/or wear loosely below that? It’s not exactly ‘one size’ but that style. 

Bust measured flat just below armpits is approx 40”

Hips 60” (a line shape) 

Shoulder to hem approx 41”

Condition:

Good to very good. Minimal wash fade and a little bobbling but just washed and ready to wear!

The only thing to note is a tiny spot to the front of the dress which didn’t come out with my handwashing, although it’s pretty small so hard to spot.