1920s Sailor Collar Dress

The 1920s sailor collar dress was the seaside uniform of the decade, and ours keeps that crisp contrast: deep navy blue with a wide white round collar that ends in a long white tie bow at the front. Cap sleeves and a straight, lightly fitted body give it the easy middy silhouette of boardwalk strolls.

How the Navy Sailor Dress Is Cut

A seam marks the waist without a separate belt, so the line stays clean from collar to hem. The skirt falls straight to somewhere between mid-calf and ankle depending on your height, with a center back slit for easy walking. Close-ups show a smooth, matte woven fabric that keeps the navy deep beside the bright collar.

Where to Wear a White Collar Dress with a Bow

We like it for a yacht club lunch, a 1920s-themed boat party, a christening or a summer wedding with a daytime dress code. Black Mary Janes keep it period-minded. The handbag, shoes and jewelry in the photos are styling only. For more vintage day silhouettes, see our 1920s day dresses collection.

Sailor Collar Dress FAQ

Does this dress run small?

Yes, it follows Asian sizing, so go by the measurements rather than your usual letter. The chart in the photos gives a bust of 32.3 in (82 cm) for XS up to 40.2 in (102 cm) for XXL, with the waist from 26 in (66 cm) to 33.9 in (86 cm). Between two sizes, choose the larger.

Does it come with a belt?

No. What looks like a waistline is a seam built into the dress. We find it looks most 1920s worn plain.

What hair and accessories suit it?

Finger waves or a low chignon under a straw cloche keep it in the decade. Small faux pearl earrings and a navy or white clutch finish it without competing with the collar.