40s/50s Brown Gingham Day Dress by Princess Peggy

Absolutely perfect, iconic example of a mid-century housewife's frock. This house dress was meant to be worn at home. It allowed you to be comfortable yet pulled-together and presentable while cleaning the oven and darning the socks. Cocoa-brown cotton gingham dress with metal Zabin front zip and comfy, elasticized ruching at each side of the waist. White eyelet lace trims the roomy front pockets and the uniquely constructed short sleeves (no doubt split to increase range of motion for dusting those hard-to-reach spots). So fabulous, it almost (almost) makes you want to stay home all day ironing his shirts. From the late 1940s, or early 50s.

Labels: Princess Peggy Tested Fabrics
some background: Thanks to blogger NameThisPeoriaLandmark for the c. 1916 postcard and recent photo of the 100-year-old Chic Manufacturing Co. factory, where the Princess Peggy line of day and house dresses were produced from 1929 through the 1950s. 

Fiber/Care: unmarked, cotton, washable

Condition: we took two tiny stitches at the top of the zip where a seam had opened slightly

*This dress is freshly laundered and ready to wear.*

Garment Measurements:
~ Note that this dress is too large on Bebe, so its lovely shape, especially around the shoulders,
is not shown to its best advantage and is slightly distorted. ~
shoulders: just shy of 17" (43cm)
bust: 42" (106.5cm)
bodice: 17.5" (44.5cm)
sleeves: 7" (17.5cm)
waist: stretches from 28-38" (71-96.5cm)
hips: free
skirt: 30.5" (77.5cm)
length: 47.5" (120.5cm) from shoulder to hem

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