Wednesday, March 13, 2013

30s Beach Pajamas



For this week's Sew Historical Fortnightly challenge, we were supposed to make something that fit the theme "peasants and pioneers".  I decided to take a slightly less literal approach with this one and use it for a project that I've been dying to make for a few years now - a set of 1930's beach pajamas.

The "peasant" part of this challenge comes from the blouse, which I made out of a printed feedsack that I picked up in an antiques shop years ago.  The feedsack was only 46" long, so it took some very careful planning and piecing to make it work from just one bag.  Printed feedsacks like this one were a popular money-saving choice for home seamstresses during the Great Depression and WWII, so it seemed like a great choice for this challenge.  I'm no expert on dating feedsacks, but I'm guessing that this print with its happy little cherries is actually from the 40's instead of the 30's, but shhhh... let's keep that secret between ourselves!  ;)

I used a New York pattern with the blue eagle NRA stamp on it, which means that it was sold between 1933 and 1935 under the umbrella of Roosevelt's New Deal recovery programs.  I love finding little clues like this to help date patterns, and I thought that using an authentic depression-era pattern would also fit the peasant challenge perfectly.  The only change that I made to the pattern was to make the collar open instead of closed with a bow, which seemed a little prissy for beach-wear.


For the "pioneer" part of this project, I decided to honor the fashion pioneers of the 30's who finally began breaking the gender barriers that had always been associated with women's pants.  A few brave women had been experimenting with various forms of trousers since the bloomer era, but it was really the 1930's that marked a turning point for this article of clothing.  Although I like playing dress-up in pretty frocks for my costuming work, my real-life wardrobe is made up of slacks, capris, and jeans about 99.9% of the time, so this is my little tribute to those amazing fashion-forward women of the 30s who paved the way for a trouser-loving girl like me.

I have always adored the super-wide legged look of the 30's.  I think they are so glamorous and fun, and I've been dying to make a pair for myself.  I used an Anne Adams pajamas pattern from the mid-1930s for my pants, and luckily, they fit me perfectly with no alterations needed except for the length.  Some modern costumers seem to be a bit freaked out by the fit of 30's pants, but I really love the way these look on me.  I admit that the crotch is crazy low and the waist is crazy high, but somehow it all works.  I made these out of linen canvas from my stash, and I used vintage mother-of-peal buttons for the sides.

The only problem is that it is hard for me to decide whether to wear the blouse tucked in or out.  I think it looks a little more leisure pajama-ish with the shirt out, and more beach pajama-ish with it tucked in.   I have to admit that I'm more comfortable and less self-conscious with the shirt out (did I mention how crazy high those pants are?), but I miss seeing the buttons on the pants when I wear it that way.  But I'm sure I'll wear it both ways from time to time just depending on my mood.  It's good to have variety.

For more beach pajama inspiration, check out two of my favorite photo blogs - Giant Pants of the 30s and La Mode Pyjama.  I also have a few additional photos of this outfit on my flickr.









32 comments:

DaneMum said...

With a figure like yours you should diffently wear the top tucked in. Would you post a couple of pictures showing the pants inside out to show the crotch and waist, please?

Jen Thompson said...

Thanks DaneMum! I took a picture of the inside for you and put it on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/festiveattyre/8553930423/in/photostream The construction of these pants is extremely basic. There is a front piece, a back piece with a single dart, and no pockets or waistband. The pattern instructions just told me to face the waist with a bias strip and add a placket to one or both sides. The rise is 17" on these pants, which seems quite enormous compared to the 8" rise on my modern jeans. :)

DaneMum said...

Thanks - they look great! 17" - that's a lot!

Anonymous said...

Yes, tucked in is definitely a good look for you!

Kleidung um 1800 said...

Simply beautiful!!!

bauhausfrau said...

You look so adorable! I'm a sucker for a cherry print. ;)

Kendra said...

Absolutely gorgeously cute!

Samantha said...

that's darling! i really love the colors!

Lauren Stowell said...

Absolutely adorable! You look so fresh and springy and perfect. I love your color combination and the wonderful print on the feedsack blouse. I'm so inspired by you!!!!

Kesia K said...

This is so beautiful! All of your stuff is simply amazing!!!

Lauren said...

TOTAL LOVE!!!!!

superheidi said...

gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! That's would be so excellent for a logn hot Summer!

Witchcrafted Life said...

This is such an incredibly, truly gorgeous ensemble. Hand on my heart, it's one of my favourite vintage outfits I've ever seen a modern gal create for herself.

Wishing you a fantastic St. Patrick's Day!
♥ Jessica

Sarah Walsh said...

So, so cute! You've got such a great figure for this style, and you're a total fashion chameleon. Everything from all eras looks fabulous on you!

I vote to tuck the blouse in - the buttons are too adorable to hide!

Cait said...

This is a great outfit on you! You look so comfortable and happy in it :)

And I just adore those pants!!!

Thread-Head said...

You look absolutely perfect in that ensemble. You wear vintage styles flawlessly.

I stopped by to give you this:
I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award!
http://threadheaded.blogspot.com/2013/03/id-like-to-thank-academy.html

Mandy said...

You look adorable! I love this outfit. So ladylike. :)

Nestled in Nostalgia

marijke said...

Congrats, I've awarded you the "Very Inspiring Blogger" award! http://i-like-historical-clothing.blogspot.nl/2013/03/very-inspiring-blogger-award.html greetings marijke

bauhausfrau said...

I nominated you for a very inspiring blogger award! :)

http://costumerscloset.blogspot.com/2013/04/very-inspiring-blogger-award.html

Maggie said...

Please don't feel obligated to do this, but I nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blogger award!

http://costumersguide.blogspot.com/2013/04/very-inspiring-blogger-award.html

Mistress of Disguise said...

Looks like you're getting a lot of love! :) I've also nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger award! http://www.mistressofdisguise.com/2013/04/im-very-inspiring-blogger.html

Learning To Costume said...

The love continues. I've nominated you too!
http://learningtocostume.blogspot.com/2013/04/very-inspiring-blogger-award.html

BaronessVonVintage said...

AMAZING....just the perfect choice of fabrics and HAT!

CatRomance said...

Love a wide wide leg. stunning.
http://romancesociety.com/

Fouinos said...

French blogger Pajama beach by FOUINOS
http://lamodepyjama.blogspot.fr/

Ann said...

I'm am seriously obsessed with your work!!!
It is so lovely and authentic.
I have been searching everywhere for someone who would be able to make me a custom 1930s swimsuit! Would you be able to do a custom order for me? If possible?
please email me at rau_kirkman@yahoo.com
please delete this comment after emailing me.
Thank you!

Parselletta said...

Great outfit. I have been going crazy making 30's style shorts and pants but out of newer patterns.(1970-80's)I have made mine with a thick waistband and super high. I have a long torso so the high waistband is very flattering and I don't have to worry about hanging around my boobs. hahah

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james vegita said...

What a delightful and creative take on the "peasants and pioneers" theme! Your 1930s beach pajama ensemble is both historically authentic and personally meaningful. New Jersey Domestic Violence Laws The repurposed feedsack adds a charming touch, and your attention to era-specific details, like the New York pattern, truly enhances the authenticity. I appreciate your nod to the pioneering spirit of 1930s women breaking gender norms, making this project not only stylish but also a tribute to a transformative period in fashion history. Bravo! Lawyer for Driving Without License In New Jersey

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