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
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.
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 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.
OK factory
P Factory
PMI Factory
> Mimic outfits: The Play Along 25th Anniversary version has a yellow gingham romper, and a yellow knit set. The romper has little flutter sleeves.
> 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)
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
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.
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)
> 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?
84 pictures are courtesy of Melinda Stout Reese and Jaycee Cook.
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?
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!
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
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.
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.
> 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.
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
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.
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.
TsukudaJesmarTriang PedigreePhoto 2 courtesy of Michlle LeRoux. Photo 3 courtesy of Jamie Osterbuhr.
> 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
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
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
China fabric vs Taiwan FabricChina fabric vs Taiwan FabricKid picture courtesy of Lynn Finley.
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.
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)
> 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)
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
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.
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.
> There is a USA version with a slightly different neck area and different lace.
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
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.
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
Tsukuda, Courtesy of Carolyn Dahl WoodsTriang Pedigree, Courtesy of Shelley LynneJesmar sailboat dress, orangeJesmar Sailboat dress, blue; Courtesy of Carolyn Dahl Woods
Produced for only a short time, sleepers are adorable!
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 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.
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.
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.
FullPartialNo LaceMiddle picture courtesy of Erin Cavill.
> 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.
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)
The first outfit, the Swing Dress. There’s so many different patterns!
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.
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.
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.
#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.
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 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)
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:
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?
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.
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?
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)
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.
Regular/ Lace-up Mary JanesSneakersKnit booties
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
Triang Pedigree, Courtesy of Jamie Osterbuhr
