Deadstock 1950s Koret of California Black Cotton Pique Playsuit XS/S

True to Koret's reputation for creating comfortable, easy-care sportwear and separates, the playsuit is made of a extremely soft but sturdy cotton "Tuscany knit" fabric finished with shrinkage-, stain-, and wrinkle- resistant "Permathal Everglaze" (developed in 1954 by Alamac Knitting Mills). It is lined in soft black muslin in the bottom only, and would have been worn with a matching overskirt as daywear, as well as on its own.

Founded in 1938 by Joseph and Stephanie Koret, Koret of California would patent a permanent press fabric called "Koratron" in the early 60s which led to the emergence of the permanent press market when they licensed their "post-curing" technique to hundreds of companies around the world. This natural fiber playsuit is a wonderful forerunner of that development.

The suit is labeled "Koret of California, from San Francisco, Hand Washable" and tagged a vintage size 12. Exact measurements are as follows: Bust to 34", waist to 25", hips to 34", shoulder-to-waist length 16" and overall length 29".

It has a pink paper hang tag which identifies the fabric as "Tuscany Knits, Permathal by Alamac", and which provides complete care instructions on the reverse. In addition, there is a wholesale/sample tag dated October 23, 1957, that was meant for the store only; it provides information on the available sizes and colors (this example is #1, Cypress Black) and lists the price at $6.50 but suggests a retail price of $10.95 (roughly equivalent to $90 in today's currency).

Condition is unworn and excellent; only flaw is a tiny crack to the backing of the belt under the first hole (see photo #8).

Proud Member of the VFG Vintage Fashion Guild

Item ID: aua54a