Taffeta is a crisp, smooth, plain woven fabric made from silk, cuprammonium rayons, acetate, or polyester. Reference: Wikipedia. It has been used for centuries in dress making. It was a popular choice for purses and fastenings and since the 1950’s it has often been used to make ball gowns as it holds its shape well.
Below are some examples and price guides of vintage and antique taffeta items including a civil war bustle dress and a blush silk taffeta skirt.
Blush Silk Taffeta Skirt with a Long Train
The skirt with a bow clasp at the waist; open down the center; tiered; long pooling train; unlabeled, approximately size 2.
Sold for US$89.60 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023
A WHITE EMBROIDERED PURPLE SILK TAFFETA HALTER TOP EVENING DRESS WITH RHINESTONE DETAILING
CIRCA 1990
Worn for various photographs to promote the album Mistaken Identity
Sold for USD 2,142 at Christie’s in 2023
COUTURE JEAN PATOU COCKTAIL DRESS, FRANCE, 1950s
Black silk taffeta cocktail dress w/ draped, shaped & pleated bodice, silk embroidered interlaced corded bands w/ cutouts, full gathered & pleated skirt, horsehair underskirt & cream silk crepe bodice lining, label “Jean Patou” & w/ illegible couture tape, B 38”, W 28”, L 44”, (light 0.75” stain front right W, draping disheveled at right SH & left W, 2” seam opening right armscye, 1.5” left & 1” right underarm, 12” thread pull CB seat, section of loose stitching up to 3” at hem) very good.
Sold for US$700 at Augusta Auctions in 2023
Silk Embroidered and Linen Bodice 18th Century. Fine brocaded coral fabric, embroidered with flowers and ribbons, with coral colored silk satin taffeta to tabs at hems. Two eyelet plackets to the interior of the garment, and the interior lined in the coral taffeta and linen. To the sleeve hems, residual silk tape lace. Probably French. Circa 1760. {Approximate dimensions: 34″ Bust (ie the front sides meet, as per the embroidered design matches there), 30″ Waist. 21″ Maximum length from shoulder to tab. Condition: Very good condition overall. Light foxing to lining. Mesh restoration to laces at sleeves. Wear to tape lining at nape of neck to back.
Sold for US$350 at Michaan’s Auctions in 2023
1860s Civil War Era Taffeta & Velvet Bustle Dress
Beautiful deep burgundy sill velvet trim on bodice accented with a lovely circling back hem & train. Heavily pleated waist. Off white ruffle completely around the hem & train. (16) small metal buttons along the front with an additional (16) decorative metal buttons presented in a criss cross pattern along its backside. One long split in taffeta where the rear bow would lay. Once sewn it would not be seen and would be covered by bow tails. This was found in the same box as another Civil-War era gown that has a Paris label. We believe the original owner had her clothing made in Paris. This one is missing the label. Exquisite dress making skills went into creating this lovely outfit.
Sold for US$325 at Donley Auctions in 2023
