#9 Bubble Romper

This adorable outfit is so cozy and cute.

Main graphic with an orange background with black text, #9 Bubble Romper and two dolls. One is a poodle double ponytail with green eyes and #2 head mold wearing a while knit sweater and booties and white bubble romper. The other is sitting in the cardboard box and is a brown haired double braids, brown eyed girl with a white sweater and booties and yellow gingham bubble romper.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Snuggle Suit
Alternate Name: Sweater and Romper Set (Ref#4, Vol. 3 Iss. 8, p.4)

Description:
Sleeveless cotton romper. It came in a variety of patterns and colours. It has a double line of lace that runs vertically down the middle of the front and around the leg holes. It came with a knitted white sweater and matching knit booties. Knit accessories came in either white or yellow.

Outfit 9H, OK. White bubble romper with yellow rosebuds, a yellow knit sweater with pink rose buds and matching yellow knit booties.
Outfit 9H , OK

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely longer. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes, 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 5A P that is green, not yellow) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Spreadsheet showing which outfits I have recorded and which I do not.

This outfit does not appear to have been made by the primary factories CC or SS.

Variations

> The knit pattern and sweater details are specific to each factory. (Ref #4, Vol. 8 Iss. 8, p.4) For details visit, PTP: Bubble Romper Sweaters.

> Mimic outfits: The Play Along 25th Anniversary version has a yellow gingham romper, and a yellow knit set. The romper has little flutter sleeves.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories.
     For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to  Identifying Jesmar Clothing

Other Information

> Some kids came wearing regular shoes and socks, not booties. This may have been due to them running out of booties at some point, a ‘store switch’, or some other reason. At least one kid has been noted MIB with this combination.
> This outfit only came on girls; however, it has been found on both foreign boys and girls. (Ref #3, p. 419)

#8 31 Tracksuit

Sports fans unite! These cuties are ready to win.

Main graphic which is burnt orange with black writing "#8 31 Tracksuit" and two dolls. One doll is a mutard loop with green eyes and #2 head mold. He's wearing a grey track suit with green accents and a blue 31 on the chest. The second kid is AA with brown loops and brown eyes and #3 head mold. His outfit is red, aqua with a blue 31.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Sports Time
Alternate Name: Football tracksuit (Ref#4, Vol. 3 Iss. 8, p.4)

Description:
Heavy knit cotton tracksuit. The top is all one colour except for bands on the sleeves and around the bottom hem. It has a block font 31 on the front, and velcro up the back. The bottoms have the band colour for the top half (almost look like shorts) and the same colour as the top for the bottom half of the pant leg. It came with sneakers and socks.

Outfit 8F, P. White track suit with red accents and a blue 31 on the chest.
Outfit 8F, P

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely longer. It was sold on both kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes, 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 5A P that is green, not yellow) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

This outfit does not appear to have been produced by the primary factory CC.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

  • fabric type
  • fabric colours/shades
  • stitching patterns around the arms

> A few outfits have blue zig-zag stitching around the coloured armbands. This has been found on P factory outfits made for sale in Canada (LTEE) and Jesmar outfits. (FB conversation, Jodi Isaacs, Nov 2019)

Sample of an outfit with blue zig-zag stitching on the arms of an outfit. The outfit is grey with yellow accents and a red 31 on the chest.
Courtesy of Jodi’s Punki Patch

> There were many variations made by foreign factories.
     For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to  Identifying Jesmar Clothing

Other Information

> The #31 on the outfit is in honour of Xavier Robert’s birthday, October 31st.

> A handful of 31 tracksuit outfits have other numbers on the chest: 84, 00. Their authenticity is unknown at this time. Some people believe they are homemade. They have neither a silk label nor a clothing label. Some of the 84’s have been found on Jesmars, but not MIB, so it cannot be confirmed that they are Jesmar. (FB Conversations, Apr. 2020) The 84 version has been found in two colours, although the white and teal pair are harder to find. I own a 00 set and they are well made, but I believe them to be handmade. In that case, could it be the year the outfit was made, 1984?

UPDATE Jan 1, 2023: A minty blue and white 84 was found with a sticker on it. It is now believed that these outfits (at least the 84’s) are aftermarket productions. Special thanks to Holly Spencer.

> This was only known to be worn by Coleco boys. However, foreign girls were known to come in this outfit.

> Some SS versions of this outfit have been found without silk labels. They have clothing labels but no silk labels. Factory fluke?

Two 31 tracksuits. One is red with blue numerals and he other one is blue with red numerals.
Picture courtesy of Jessy Gonzalez.

> There is speculation that the pants for this outfit, and the pants for outfit 518, were sometimes used interchangeably. Unfortunately, this would be difficult to prove, especially because the pants aren’t tagged!

Brown, light brown and orange version of outfit #518.

#7 Elephant Romper

A bewildering array of colours and appliques.

Main graphic with a bright red background and black text that says "#7 Elephant Romper" and two dolls. One is a wheat fuzzy with blue hands and a #2 head mold wearing a yellow romper and whtie shirt. The second is a lemon fuzzy with blue eyes and a #2 head mold wearing a blue corduroy romper with a duck applique.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Short Stuff
Alternate Name: Coloured Romper (Ref#4, Vol 3, Iss. 8, p. 3)

Description:
Romper with, most likely, an elephant patch on the bottom right side above the leg opening. Some versions have velcro at the crotch, allowing the outfit to be removed like an infant for changing. A white shirt with blue decorative stitching is worn underneath. (see Variations info below.) It came with regular shoes and socks.

Outfit 7H, OK. Butter yellow elephant romper with elephant applique and a white shirt with blue zig-zag stitching at the hems.
Outfit 7H, OK

This outfit was sold from 1983 until at least 1986. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes, 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 7D OK that is green, not blue) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Outfit Colours ( as recorded above)

This outfit was not made by the primary factory SS (that I am aware).

If the tag is in the shirt, please be absolutely sure that the outfit came together before sending pictures. The shirts can be switched very easily.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

> There is some controversy around the white shirt. Jump here for information on which outfits used them and for identification information. Wonderful White Shirts, Unique Accents for PMI Shirts

> Mimic outfits: The 25th Anniversary version of this outfit is pink and came only on girls. The applique is a graphic, not embroidered. The shirt has no zig-zag stitching, it’s plain white. It’s a heavier material and may only open halfway down the back.
     

> There were many variations made by foreign factories.
     For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to  Identifying Jesmar Clothing

Other Information

> The clothing tag will be in either the shirt OR the romper, not both.
> It looks the best with a diaper on.

#6 Kitty Jogging Suit

These kids can join you on your morning run!

Main graphic with a blue background and white text that says "#6 Kitty Jogging Suit". There are two kids wearing grey kitty jogging suits with kitty applique. One kidis an AA with brown loops, brown eyes and #3 head mold. His suit is trimmed in red. The other has wheat loops, blue eyes and a #4 paci head mold. His outfit is trimmed in purple.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Lil Jogger

Description:
Grey jogging suit with a patch on the right breast. The patch is generally a white cat. The sleeve, shirt, and pant leg hems are various colours. It came with a white terry cloth headband, sneakers, and socks.

Outfit 6A, KT. Grey jogging suit with blue trim and a cat applique on the left breast. There is a white terry cloth head band above it.
Outfit 6A, KT

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely longer. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes, 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 6A OK that is green, not blue) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

  • fabric shades/colour
  • fabric type
  • look of the patch (Jump to Plentiful Patches Pt.2)
  • the patch itself (eg. bear instead of cat)

> The grey fabric came in two variations: solid grey or heather grey.
     

> Mimic outfits: All currently recorded USA versions of this outfit are heather grey and have the factory tag in the pants, not the top.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories.
     For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to  Identifying Jesmar Clothing

> This outfit was used as a ‘twin‘ outfit by the Tsukuda factory.
     

Other Information

> This outfit came on both boys and girls, depending on the colour.
> This outfit can have a variety of patches instead of the cat. Jump to Plentiful Patches Pt.2

#5 Corduroy (Mostly) Suit

Warm and comfy, let the boys out to play!

Main graphic with a bright yellow background which says "#5 Corduroy Suit" and has two dolls. The first dolls is sitting inside the cardboard liner. He is bald with blue eyes and a #3 head mold. He's wearing a blue cord outfit with a teddy bear applique, a white under shirt and white knit hat. The second doll is wearing the same except his suit is beige.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Going Bye-Bye
Alternate Name: Teddy Suit (Ref#4, Vol. 3 Iss. 8, p.4)

Description:
Corduroy (mostly) suit which consists of a jacket and pants. The jacket buttons up the front with three buttons and has a teddy bear patch on the left breast. The matching pants have a square silk CPK patch label on the back bum. There is a white shirt underneath, either completely white or with navy-blue stitching. (see Variations.) It comes with a knit white hat with a pompom, socks, and regular shoes.

Outfit 5B, KT factory. Shows the four separate pieces of the outfit including the knit hat, corduroy suit jacket with teddy applique, white cotton shirt and corduroy pants.
Outfit 5B, KT

The outfit is generally made in a cord material but occasionally comes in a heavier felt-like material. Chinese factories made cord outfits and Taiwan factories made felt-like outfits. For a list of which factory codes to with which location, visit: Info on Factories and Companies

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely longer. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984. There is evidence that some stock of this outfit was still being sold off as separately packaged outfits as late as 1987. (Ref#4, Iss. 5, p.4)

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes, 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 5A P that is green, not yellow) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

This outfit was not made by the primary factories CC or SS (that I am aware).

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

  • fabric (e.g. IC cord is of a different texture)
  • colour (shade)
  • hat knit pattern
  • look of the bear patch (Jump to Plentiful Patches Pt.2)
  • location of the patch
  • buttons

> There is some controversy around the white shirt. Jump here for details: Wonderful White Shirts, Unique Accents

> There are several variations of this outfit made by foreign factories; however, the Jesmar factory did not manufacture this outfit.
      Triang Pedigree, Courtesy of Jamie Osterbuhr

Other Information

> Some pants close along the inner leg seam with Velcro; some do not.
> The patch can be different. (e.g. duck) Jump to Plentiful Patches Pt.2
> Girls only wore the pink version (5D) of this outfit. (Ref #3, p. 402)

#4 Frilly A-line Dress

Frilly frocks that are fabulous!

Main graphic with a army green backround, two dolls wearing dresses and saying "#4 Frilly A-Line Dress'. The first doll is and AA double ponytail with brown eyes wearing a blue dress and the second is a wheat poodle double-ponytail with green eyes and a #5 head mold wearing a yellow dress with yellow rosebud pattern.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: On Holiday, Apple Blossom
Alternate Name: Lacy Yoke Dress (Ref#4, Vol. 3 Iss. 8, p.4)

Description:
Cotton dress with rows of frilly lace and a small rose patch at the yoke, in one of two patterns. (see below) The lace used at the yoke is also used at the sleeve, leg and dress hems. The dress came with matching bloomers, Mary Jane shoes, and socks. Very occasionally, it came with lace-up shoes.

Outfit 4N, CC. Mint green or light green frilly A-line cabbage patch dress with white lacy yoke and trim.
Outfit 4N, CC

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1986, maybe longer. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes, 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 4F P that is green, not pink) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Variations

> The OK and KT outfits for letters A to D have a patterned yoke with only two rows of lace and a small rose patch. The P versions of A to D are white, with four rows of lace. The remaining letters are the same as the P factory outfits.
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> There is a USA version with a slightly different neck area and different lace.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories.
     For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to  Identifying Jesmar Clothing

> There are some excellent aftermarket copies of this outfit. They can be easily confused with the real CPK outfits.

Mint green frilly dress in a Little Mommy Doll Fashions box by Shillman. one of the best aftermarket replicas.

#3 Shoulder-Tie Dress

So many colours, so many variations!

Main intro graphic with a grey background. There two dolls wearing Shoulder-Tie Dresses and the words "#3, Shoulder-Tie Dress". One doll is a butterscotch double braid #2, with blue eyes wearing a blue dress and the other is a red haired double ponytail #5 with blue eyes wearing a yellow and blue dress.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Summer Sweetie

Description:
Cotton dress with a peter pan collar, ties at the shoulder, attached ‘blouse’ top, and bloomers. The blouse is one colour/pattern and the remainder of the dress and the bloomers are another pattern/colour. The hem of the leg holes and sleeves have matching cotton lace. It generally came with white socks and regular shoes. Very occasionally, they came with Mary Janes.

Outfit 3C, OK factory. Yellow and white gingham shoulder-tie dress with white blouse area with yellow rose buds.
Outfit 3C, OK

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely longer. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes, 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 3C OK that is pink and white gingham, not yellow and white gingham) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Variations

> Mimic Outfits: There are 2 Coleco outfits that are similar. It was used for the Play Along 25th Anniversary outfits, and the USA factory produced this outfit.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. The Tsukuda factory used them on their twin sets. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to  Identifying Jesmar Clothing

#2 – Sleeper

Produced for only a short time, sleepers are adorable!

Main graphic for the #2 Sleeper outfit post. It has a purple background with two dolls wearing sleepers. One dolls is a bald, blue eyed, paci kid wearing a aqua sleeper and the other is a wheat looped girl with green eyes and freckles, #2 head mold, wearing a pink and white striped sleeper.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that this outfit belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Nightie-Night (Ref#4, Vol 3 Iss. 9, p. 6)

Description:
Terry cloth sleeper that velcros up the front, a bear patch on the left breast, and a pom-pom at the toes (generally). Many also have some form of lace decoration (refer to variations below).

Outfit 2J, Hong Kong production. Yellow and white striped sleeper with a teddy bear applique on the left breast. It Velcro's up the front and has white pom poms on the toes.
Outfit 2J HK

Originally Sleepers were sold in 1983 on boxed kids. Around June of 1983, they started being sold packaged, with socks and shoes. Presumably, they were sold until the stock ran out. They were no longer being produced by early 1984 at the latest. (Ref#4, Vol 3, Iss.8, p. 4; FB conversation with Leah Salt, April 2019) However, there is evidence that some stock of this outfit was still being sold off as separately packaged outfits as late as 1987. (Ref#4, Iss. 5, p.4)

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog -Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes, 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 2D OK that is pink, not purple) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

10 dolls, mostly bald, dressed in the sleerper outfit. They are laid out in a circle with a stuffed mouse in the middle at their feet.
For more information on my completed sleeper collection visit: My Little Dreamers

Sleepers were not manufactured by the primary factories CC, SS or PMI. The PMI and foreign factories did not start manufacturing until after production of the Sleepers ceased.

Variations:

> There appear to be three lace patterns used on Sleepers. The pattern appears to be factory specific, rather than gender-specific, as many collectors have speculated.

Version 1: Full – KT factory and P Factory
     – lace down either side of the velcro and around the collar              
Version 2: Partial – KT Factory
     – lace around the collar and sleeve hems             
Version 3: No lace – OK Factory
     – They used no lace at all.

Spreadsheet detailing which Sleepers with the various lace layouts that I have recorded and which I do not.


> Mimic Outfits: Similar footed sleeper-type outfits were created for preemies, Sipping Kids, and BBB‘s but this is the only 16″ outfit of its type.

> The crotch closure depends on the factory. The OK and KT factories do not open where the crotch meets the front closure, whereas the P factory outfits open entirely.

Picture of two CPK sleepers, one blue and one pink and white striped. The blue is an example of the entirely open crotch, the other an example of one that does not open entirely.

Other Information:

> The patches used can vary. The teddy bear patches on the sleepers are yellow and gold colours whereas the teddy bear patches on the Cord Suit(#5) tend to be in shades of brown and dark beige.
> Sleepers were sold on bald dolls, both boys and girls. This was one of the only outfits that had bald girls. (Ref#4, Vol 3, Iss. 8, p. 4)

#1 – Swing Dress

The first outfit, the Swing Dress. There’s so many different patterns!

Opening graphic with two dolls wearing Swing Dresses, one is a wheat poodle double ponytail #1 kid wearing a yellow and white dress. The other is a red double ponytail haired, blue eyes #2 wearing a blue and white dress with a red tie. It says "#1 Swing Dress".

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: School Days
Alternate Name(s): A-line Dress, Sailor Dress (Ref#4, Vol 3, Iss. 8, p. 3)

Description:
Cotton A-line dress with a sailor collar and long cotton ties. The collar and sleeves are edged with white lace. The dress was paired with either white or red tights (Ref#4, Vol 3, Iss. 8, p. 3) and generally came with white Mary Jane shoes. Very occasionally, they came with lace-ups.

Swing dress 1H, made by the IC factory. It is solid yellow with a red tie and red tights.
Outfit 1H, IC factory

This outfit was sold from 1983 to at least 1985. I believe it may have been found on kids later, but this was most likely the company using up old stock.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

Suggested readings: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes, 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 1D OK that is pink and white gingham, not green and white gingham) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

I have not recorded any primary factory CC versions of this outfit.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

  • elastic in the sleeves
  • tie material
  • tie colour/shade
  • lace
  • piping at the collar
  • colour of the collar

> Mimic Outfit(s): #655 – Mimic Swing Dress – Bow is smaller and different

Picture of outfit #655, an outfit that mimics the swing dress. It is purple and white.
Courtesy of Jodi Punki Patch.

#504 – Sailboat Dress – This dress has a different collar, rick rack decoration, a sailboat patch, and matching bloomers. It came out in 1985. This series will be another post.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories.
     For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to  Identifying Jesmar Clothing

Other Information

There are more PMI swing Dresses than there should be. Jump to An abundance of Patterns for details.

1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes (and link list)

The outfits that started it all.

Shortcut to 1983 Individual Outfit Links list

When Cabbage Patch Kids came out in 1983, each was wearing one of 18 outfits. These outfits came in a variety of colours and patterns, but there were only 18 to choose from.  (Ref #4, Vol. 3 Issue 9/10/11, p. 6)

The 1983 series of outfits worn but a group of kids who are sitting on stairs, allowing the outfits to be visible.
The 1983 Series outfits.

A 1983 catalogue that appeared to have prototype outfits in it named each outfit. However, over time collectors have created new names that better describe the outfit, allowing for easier identification. For example, the outfit below was originally called the Snuggle Suit but is generally called a Bubble Romper by collectors. (Ref #4, Vol. 3 Issue 9/10/11, p. 6)

Picture of a 'bubble romper' outfit. It consists of a yellow knitted sweater that ties closed at the neck, a white cotton romper with pink rose buds underneath, and yellow knitted booties.

Primary Factory.

As explained in an earlier post ( What are Clothing Codes?), each outfit came with a code that consists of a letter and a number. The numbers represent the outfit type, and the letters represent a specific fabric pattern or colour combination. With this series, certain letters seem to have been produced primarily by certain factories. I call these the Primary Factory for each letter. For example, the KT factory produced the letters A and B for all 18 outfits, I think. Here are the primary factories, as proposed, at this point:

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However, outfits were often produced by multiple factories, not just the Primary Factory. For example, I know that outfit 7A was produced by primary factory KT, and also by the LF, P, and OK factories. Below, we know that 2C was produced by two factories. Can you figure out which ones?

Graphic showing the code and factory outfits I have recorded for the sleeper outfit, as an example of what the record looks like.
Sample layout showing which ‘versions’ of the outfit that I have recorded. Make sure your outfit matches both code and factory. If it doesn’t, I likely need to record it.
ANSWER: 2C is produced by both the OK and KT factories. It may be produced by more, but I am unaware of them at this time.

In addition, not every letter was produced for every outfit. For example, the Sleeper (#2) only goes to letter K. Letters L to R (CC and SS primary factories) were only used for packaged outfits, and apparently, the Sleeper was not sold separately. Also, it was not manufactured by the PMI factory because the factory began production after they stopped making the Sleepers.

Factory Variation

The outfits produced by primary factory SS (P, Q, and R) are often close copies of earlier letters, making them difficult to identify. For example, if I had the red and white check Swing Dress (#1) recorded, you might think you didn’t need to check the one that you have. Unfortunately, I have the 1G (factory P) version, and yours is the 1Q (SS factory) version of the outfit, which I need to record. Consequently, checking to see if I have something recorded based on the code and factory is superior to using a description of the outfit.

A graphic showing how the SS factory outfits match previous letter outfits, using coloured spreadsheet lines.
Example: SS factory outfits matched with previous letter outfits.

We need to record all of the factories that made each outfit, as there are often differences between them. These differences can then be used to identify an outfit by factory, which may help to identify the possible factory of the kid wearing it or let you know if you need it for a specific kid. These differences can include but are not limited to, differences in:

  • fabric colour/pattern
  • small changes in the structure of the outfit
  • fabric type
  • silk tag placement
  • stitching pattern
  • thread colour
  • buttons
  • lace/edging material
  • size

Below is 1Q, as made by three different factories. Can you spot the differences?

Picture of three red and white gingham swing dresses. One each from the WW, WS and SS factories. They all look slightly different.
Difference: outfit structure, tie fabrics, red colours, size, lace pattern, elastic at sleeves, type of silk label

Potential Problems

Finally, just to make things difficult, some clothing tags, primarily those from the P and PMI factories, came with the codes on stickers that can wash off. Of the two, P factory tags like those below, are the most difficult to recognize as they do not actually have a P on them. However, even without code information, knowing which factory an outfit is from is a step in the right direction. (Jump to: What are Clothing Tag Codes)

Shoes.

As for shoes, they were specific to the outfit. In general, each outfit came with certain shoes, but there were only four options: Sneakers, Mary Jane’s, lace-up shoes (sometimes called lace-ups or high tops), and knit booties. Occasionally, as this is Coleco and they don’t stick to their own rules, kids will come with ‘unusual shoes’ for an outfit. For example, sometimes you will find dolls in the Bubble Romper with regular lace-up shoes.

Shoes that came with these outfits are labelled with the factory inside, about 1″ from the heel. They generally say ‘HONG KONG’ but were most likely produced in China, unless they came on an early 1983 doll. Like with the clothing, the shoe factory should match the dolls factory. If the doll is KT, the shoes should be KT.
For more details, jump to: Shoes – An overview and reference links

Casual Wear Line – Packaged Outfits

This is the only other line of clothing that came out in 1983 and all of these outfits came packaged. They did not come on boxed kids. For more information jump to Casual Wear Line (1983).

Outfit Summary Shortcuts

Below are shortcuts to information about each of the 1983 series outfits. This information includes the versions s that I already have recorded and those I am still looking for information on. Each outfit will open in a new tab, allowing for easier navigation while you work.
I would appreciate any help you can provide and accept tag/code information at any time.

For information on taking clothing tag pictures in order to assist with the research project, jump to: Taking Clothing Tag Pics

undefined #20 Sailor Suit

#19 There Isn’t One!

undefined #18 Striped Jogging Suit

undefined #17 Heart Dress

undefined #16 Denim Romper

undefined #15 Bib Dress

undefined #14 Pinafore Dress

undefined #13 Square Yoke Dress

undefined #12 Ruffled Overalls

undefined #11 Ducky Dress

undefined #10 Windbreaker Outfit

undefined #9 Bubble Romper

undefined #8 31 Tracksuit

undefined #7 Elephant Romper

undefined #6 Kitty Jogging Suit

undefined #5 Corduroy Suit

undefined #4 Frilly A-line Dress

undefined #3 Shoulder-Tie Dress

undefined #2 Sleeper

undefined #1 Swing Dress