Vintage 1930s 40s German Rayon Dress Large XL 36 Waist Navy Blue Noir Sequin Rosettes WWII Era
An incredible survivor from the WWII era (late 30s/early 40s), likely of German origin. This navy blue cold rayon dress features stunning Art Deco floral sequin trim, a rare larger vintage size (Modern L/XL), and original dress shields with German text. A collector’s piece with a story to tell.
Measurements (Taken Flat & Doubled where appropriate):
Bust (Pit to Pit): 40 inches
Waist: 36 inches
Hips: Open / Free (approx. 50+ inches due to pleats)
Total Length: 44 inches
Modern Size Estimate: Large to XL (Please compare measurements to a garment you own).
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More about this Item
Meet the “Midnight Noir”—a dress that has seen history and lived to tell the tale. This incredible piece dates to the late 1930s or very early 1940s, originating from a historic, dusty warehouse in St. Louis where it sat untouched for decades.
What makes this piece truly exceptional is the size. It is incredibly difficult to find pre-war fashion with a 36-inch waist, making this a “Volup” (vintage voluptuous) unicorn.
The Construction The silhouette is pure wartime elegance: strong, padded shoulders (original pads intact) tapering into a fitted waist and releasing into a sweeping skirt with deep kick pleats front and back. In a nod to early wartime rationing or perhaps just 1930s sensibility, there are no zippers or snaps—the dress relies entirely on the fabric-covered buttons running down the bodice.
The Details
Fabric: A heavy-drape, dark navy blue rayon crepe.
Trim: Two vertical bands of cream velvet/felting adorned with black sequin floral rosettes. (Note: These are likely gelatin sequins and should be kept away from water/steam).
The Mystery: The interior dress shields (armpit guards) are printed with “P 36 waschbar kochecht” (German for “washable boil-proof”). Was this worn by a German immigrant in St. Louis? Was it brought over from Europe before the war? The history is stitched right into the seams.
Condition Report This dress is in Good Vintage Condition, especially considering its age and storage history. It is a strong, wearable piece but is being sold “as found” with the following notes:
Surface: There are white dust/dirt smudges on the skirt (see photos) from long-term warehouse storage. These will likely lift with professional dry cleaning.
Seams: There are two small seam separations hidden in the folds of the front pleats. The fabric is not torn, the thread has just given way. This is an easy repair for a seamstress or competent sewer.
Sequins: A few sequins are missing from the rosettes, but the pattern is busy enough that it is not immediately noticeable.
Texture: The dress is wrinkled from storage and will need a careful press (do not steam the sequins directly).
Measurements (Taken Flat & Doubled where appropriate):
Bust (Pit to Pit): 40 inches
Waist: 36 inches
Hips: Open / Free (approx. 50+ inches due to pleats)
Total Length: 44 inches
Modern Size Estimate: Large to XL (Please compare measurements to a garment you own).





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