About Doll Clothes
Some dolls may have wardrobes larger than their owners, thanks to the wide array of interesting, exotic and even special occasion doll clothes on the market. Doll clothes may still have a vintage clothing niche, but other styles have evolved to fit the latest trends, fads and materials. Because of their wide variety, doll clothes come in a range of sizes to fit a number of forms and can appropriately dress dolls for a day in the sandbox or a night on the town.
Time Frame
Just as styles change for humans, doll clothes certainly keep up with the times. Patterns from the Butterick Publishing Company in 1901, for instance, included long, flare skirts, shirt blouses with high collars and long sleeves and box jackets for a formal suit. Styles in the twenty-first century include everything from power suits to Gothic styles, with punk rock and string bikinis in between. Doll clothes have historically been made to match whatever fashions were popular at the time, including the 1960s go go boots and fringe vests of the 1970s.
Types
Doll clothes come in several sizes and styles to fit most standard dolls on the market. Barbie, of course, has her own massive line of clothing, ranging from ball gowns to power suits. American Girl, Bitty Baby, Kitty Collier and other popular brand name dolls also harbor their own collections. Generic dolls clothes come in sizes that fit standard size rag dolls, clothing that fits 12-inch through 20-plus inch dolls and fashion dolls found in china cabinets on their individual stands.
Features
Doll clothes are most often sold in sets that include a number of items. The main component, such as a dress, will be often be sold with matching shoes, purse, undergarments or small jacket and jewelry. A lot of doll clothing is made of cotton, but it can also be found in as many materials that make up people clothing, from satin to velvet, spandex to tulle. Some doll clothing sets will include more than one outfit, ensuring the dolls have all they need to go from the playground or office to the night out or the beach.
Considerations
For those who want to create truly unique outfits for their dolls, doll clothing patterns are the way to go. Patterns are usually not too complicated, although it may be a tad more difficult to sew smaller arm holes and such meant for dolls. Handmade doll clothes allow the tailor to fully customize the clothing, with unique buttons, snaps, patterns, colors or materials. Materials can be found at craft stores, fabric shops or online. See the Resources section below for a link.
Potential
Doll clothes don't stop with everyday fashions. Dolls, too, can get dressed up for special occasions. A wide range of Halloween costumes or outfits exist for dolls, including a pumpkin cape, black and orange baby onesie or full-fledged costumes that make them a witch or ghost. Other doll holiday wear includes Christmas dresses, Easter bonnets and even patriotic dresses, hats and T-shirts to attend an inauguration or Fourth of July parade.
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