Wrap Dress

A 1970s wrap dress is a jersey knit dress that wraps around the body and ties at the waist, popularized by Diane von Furstenberg as a symbol of women's liberation and professional empowerment during the decade's feminist movement.

Quick Facts

• Era: 1970s (peak popularity 1974-1979)
• Origin: United States (Diane von Furstenberg design, 1972)
• Garment Type: Wrap-front dress with tie closure
• Key Identifiers: Wrap construction, jersey knit fabric, tie waist, V-neckline
• Typical Resale Price: $80-$500 (authentic vintage pieces)
• Best For: Professional wear, vintage fashion enthusiasts, and timeless feminine styling

History & Evolution

The wrap dress was created by Diane von Furstenberg in 1972 and became a cultural phenomenon by 1974, selling over one million pieces. The design solved practical problems for working women entering the professional world, offering a flattering silhouette that could transition from office to evening wear. The jersey knit construction made it comfortable and wrinkle-resistant, perfect for busy professional lifestyles.

The dress became a symbol of women's liberation and sexual freedom during the 1970s feminist movement. Its wrap construction was both empowering and practical, allowing women to dress themselves confidently without complicated closures or undergarments. Celebrity endorsements and magazine features established the wrap dress as essential professional wear for ambitious women breaking corporate glass ceilings.

By the late 1970s, numerous designers and manufacturers created their own versions, making wrap dresses available across all price points. The style temporarily declined in the 1980s as power suits dominated professional wear, but experienced a major revival in the 1990s. Today, authentic 1970s wrap dresses, especially original DVF pieces, are highly sought after for their historical significance and timeless design.

Authentication Tips

Authentic 1970s Features:

• Jersey knit construction with substantial drape and recovery
• Diane von Furstenberg label or other period designer labels
• Wrap construction with interior ties for secure closure
• Quality printing on jersey with vibrant, period-appropriate patterns
• 1970s sizing that tends to run smaller than contemporary measurements

Common Reproductions/Modern Pieces:

• Lightweight fabrics that lack vintage jersey substance and drape
• Modern stretch materials not available in 1970s construction
• Contemporary fit adjustments that alter authentic 1970s proportions
• Digital prints or patterns using modern printing techniques
• Simplified construction lacking interior tie systems of vintage pieces

Styling & Use Cases

• Best for professional settings: Pair with blazers and pumps for sophisticated business attire that honors the dress's working woman heritage
• Ideal for vintage enthusiasts: Style with 1970s accessories like wide belts and platform shoes for authentic decade styling
• Perfect for modern occasions: Wear alone with contemporary accessories for timeless feminine elegance that transcends eras

Modern styling tips:

• Layer over fitted turtlenecks during cooler weather while maintaining the wrap silhouette
• Pair with modern ankle boots or sneakers for updated casual vintage styling
• Add contemporary statement jewelry to bridge vintage and current fashion aesthetics

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if a wrap dress is authentic 1970s vintage?

A: Look for jersey knit construction with quality drape, period designer labels (especially Diane von Furstenberg), wrap construction with interior ties, and vintage sizing that runs small. Authentic pieces show quality printing and construction typical of 1970s manufacturing.

Q: What's the typical price range for vintage 1970s wrap dresses?

A: Authentic vintage wrap dresses range from $80-$500 depending on designer, condition, and rarity. Original Diane von Furstenberg pieces command premium prices, while other 1970s designers offer more affordable vintage options.

Q: How should I care for a vintage 1970s wrap dress?

A: Hand wash gently in cold water or dry clean to preserve the jersey knit and printed patterns. Hang dry to maintain the wrap construction and prevent stretching of the vintage fabric.

Q: What makes 1970s wrap dresses valuable to collectors?

A: Their representation of 1970s women's liberation movement, association with professional female empowerment, timeless design that remains relevant today, and cultural significance as symbols of feminine independence make them important vintage fashion pieces.

📷: Metropolitan Museum of Art