1950s Susan Small Textured French Blue Cotton Shirt Dress

Fabulous late 1950s to early 1960s blue jacquard check dress. Manufactured by well regarded British ready to wear designer Susan Small and retailing in Edinburgh's finest department store, Jenners. We have sold many vintage Susan Small dresses over the years and a few included Harrods retail labels; they are always fabulous quality. It is tailored from a stiffened cotton jacquard, possibly mixed with wool or silk with a textured, almost bouclé-like handle. The stiffness of this cloth adds a formality and elevates this dress to occasion wear for the daytime. The nipped-waist and full, box-pleated skirt emphasise that classic feminine ‘50s shape, and the wide neckline reveals the décolletage. Large, glossy black plastic buttons secure the length of the front. The skirt is fully lined in a thick black felt which adds to the rigidity and means that it holds its shape. The sleeves are three-quarter length and are finished with a textured blue cotton bow. They have white cotton faux-shirt cuffs peeking out at the ends. The original label reads “Susan Small - Made in England”.

This dress is in excellent vintage condition and very fresh looking. There was a button missing at the top that we have replaced with a similar sized example. We were minded to change all the buttons; however, the Circa team unanimously preferred the collar turned down where the button would never be seen. The dress was styled in the studio with the dress fully done up to show you the higher-cut square neckline and if the wearer preferred this styling, the top button could always be exchanged for one down the bottom. Due to its age, there is no composition or size label so please check the measurements our below as the fabric has no stretch. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in (163cm) and this dress was a good fit on her with plenty of room to spare. We think it could be worn by sizes up to a UK 10-12 or US 6-8 with a small waist.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 38 in (97 cm)

WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)

HIP - 42 in. (107 cm)

LENGTH - 43 in. (109 cm)