In a curious twist that sounds like the plot of a vintage mystery novel, a customer at a North Eastern U.S. vintage store made an unexpected discovery while altering a coat dress believed to be from the 1960s or 70s. Upon letting out the seams, they found brown powder meticulously sewn into the lining of the entire garment. The substance, initially bewildering, turns out to be foam padding that has succumbed to dry rot over the decades.
This phenomenon is not uncommon in vintage clothing. Foam padding was a popular material used for giving shape and structure to garments, especially in the era of bold silhouettes and sharp tailoring. Over time, the chemical structure of foam breaks down, particularly when subjected to the elements and the rigors of storage. Heat, humidity, and the passage of time contribute to the decomposition process, eventually turning the foam brittle and powdery.
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