Transitional Period CPK Outfits – A Summary

As Hasbro took over production of the Cabbage Patch brand, chaos ensued. Find out what collectors means by ‘transitional’ and how this is reflected in the clothing.

Quick List/Links

9 – #101 – #152 (BBB, Preemie, Toddler, Regular kids) (Future Posts)
9 – Designer Line Kid outfits (150s, 170-180s)
9 – Sippin’ Kid outfits (160s) (Future Post)
0 – 400s (BBB outfits) (Future Post)

Transition: the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.
(Google Dictionary)

In this instance, we’re referring to the transition from Coleco to Hasbro as the manufacturer of the Cabbage Patch brand, 1989 – 1990. This progression, and the chaos it caused, can be seen in the tags used in their clothes. It occurs in five stages.

Stage 1 Tags: 9 – Amsterdam and Gloversville, NY – Coleco

Coleco began using the location Amsterdam, NY, on their tags in late 1987 (I think) and continued until sometime in 1989. Then they switched to Gloversville, NY, the last known Coleco location used on their tags. Consequently, Gloversville tags only occurred in outfits that came out in the first 6-months of 1989. These outfits all have 9 – in front of their outfit code. (See Part 2: The Code Addition for an explanation). Some of the outfits produced in 1989 were designed earlier but weren’t sold until then.

Coleco Cabbage patch kid clothing tag with Gloversville, NY, as the location, clothing code 9-167A and factory OK.

Outfits series sold at this time (that I know of):

9 – #101 – #153 (BBB, Preemie, Toddler, Regular kids)
Designer Line outfits 150s (all Gloversville)
9 – Sippin’ Kid outfits (160s)

Stage 2 Tags: 9 – Pawtucket, RI – Hasbro

The codes in these outfits have the 9 –, indicating they are also from 1989, but they are made by a different company. These tags have a Coleco-like clothing code and factory code but are now listed as being made by Hasbro out of Pawtucket, RI. They introduced a new factory code H101, likely intending the H to indicate Hasbro. This happened because Hasbro bought out Coleco in July of 1989 (Ref#3, p. 176).

Hasbro Cabbage patch kid clothing tag with Pawtucket, RI as the location, clothing code 9-106A and factory H101. — Courtesy of Jodi Issacs

Outfits series sold at this time (that I know of):

BBB outfits #101 – #106
Toddler outfits #116 – #120
Preemie outfits #130 – #133
Designer Line 170s (all Pawtucket)
9 – Sippin’ Kid outfits (160s)
Hasbro version of outfit #505 – Apron Dress

Stage 3 Tags: 0 – Pawtucket, RI – Hasbro

Following along with the year labelling convention, if 9- is for 1989, then the 0 – would be for 1990. So, these outfits were sold in 1990. However, the tag looks more Hasbro-like than Coleco now. In addition, there are very few outfits with this code. The only outfits produced at this time were the BBB 400s. series (Future Post). These outfits are likely the last of the Coleco designs Hasbro used OR their first attempts at their own designs. My guess is the latter, as all four outfits in this series mimic the look of earlier Coleco-produced outfits.

Hasbro Cabbage patch kid clothing tag with Pawtucket, RI as the location, clothing code 0-100D and no factory code.

Stage 4 Tags: Hasbro tag

By this stage, the tags are all Hasbro, and there are no codes on them at all. It appears that, although they considered or tried to keep using the Coleco coding system, they gave it up rather quickly, likely sometime in 1990.

Hasbro Cabbage patch kid clothing tag with Pawtucket, RI.

Outfits series sold at this time (that I know of):

Outfits #148, #151
Outfits #116 – #120
Hasbro produced versions of some 800-815 series
Some early Hasbro BBB outfits
Some early Hasbro regular kid outfits (generally a duplicate in some way of a Coleco outfit)
Many Poseable Kid outfits
Some Splash and See packaged outfits
Hasbro Fashion Separates Line – packaged
Hasbro Deluxe Fashions Line – packaged
Hasbro Fashions Line – packaged (likely but not confirmed by tag yet)

Stage 5 Tags: No tag

By 1991, Hasbro was producing their own kids and clothes. None of the outfits are tagged. Some of these lines include Babies (BBBs), Babyland Kids, Poseables (replaced the regular kids), Birthday Kids, Preschoolers, Designer Line Kids and Kissin’ Kids. (Ref#2, p.104))

Transitional Dolls

Although many dolls were sold in these two years, what most collectors refer to as a ‘Transitional doll’ is very specific and quite sought after, as few were produced. These dolls are an amalgam of Hasbro and Coleco parts. One might have a Coleco head, Hasbro body, and Coleco outfit. Or a Coleco body and head, but wear a Hasbro-tagged outfit. There are several possible combinations. (Ref#3, p. 176)

Selling off Coleco Stock

During the Transitional period, you could find odd packages of Cabbage Patch clothing and accessories that were being sold off by Coleco and Hasbro. For example, you might find a Coleco outfit on a Hasbro board and in others, it’s a mishmash of items that don’t belong together on what looks to be an unauthorized board, but isn’t. Hasbro used a variety of avenues to rid themselves of leftover stock. Refer to PTP: Packaged Outfits: Questions and (Some) Answers for more information.

Designer Line Duds – Series 2 (170s-180s)

Dressed to impress (in the last 1980s) these kids have outfits that were all the rage. This is the second set of outfits that were carried on by Hasbro.

Jump to – Series 1: 150s

These kids came out in 1989-9, during the Transitional Period. Hasbro also sold them for a short time from when they took over production in July of 1989 and into 1990.

“According to the 1990 catalogue, these Designer Line Kids had “the cool, casual look that children like for themselves . . .Their new outfits are the latest and greatest fashion designs, and their yarn or nylon hair is fashioned in the hottest looks around.” (Ref #2, p. 104)

They came with new hairstyles, both yarn and cornsilk, and some new head moulds were introduced with these kids (#36, #44, #45). For more details, refer to the sources listed at the end of the post.

These kids came standing in a special box with a new design. In the US they came with a special purple DL birth certificate but in Canada, they came with the regular 1987-89 certificates. I’m not sure about other countries. They, and their outfits, were made at the P factory; however, they don’t generally end up with pox. A few of the early DL kids came with a new ‘artistic’ Xavier Roberts signature, but it was quickly changed back to the original.

Red crimp haired Cabbage patch kid girl with freckles wearing a purple jacket and matching crazy patterned pants and chunky teal shoes. She is standing in a DL box and had a DL birth certificate. — Canadian Certificate

Picture of a Canadian 1987 - 89 aqua coloured birth certificate and associated paperwork. — Canadian Certificate

The Outfits

Numerically, there are two series of Designer Line outfits, the 150s and the 170s-180s. The 150s outfits came out first and the 170-180s came out second. For an explanation of how we know, visit Transitional Period – A Summary.

Each series has six outfits, and there are five versions of each outfit (A-E).

These outfits came with chunky sneakers and white underpants for boys or panties for girls. In this series, the panties may also come in different colours.

UPDATE: Designer Line outfits put on later kids may also have come with Saddle Shoes.

White panties and white cotton boys underwear worn by Designer Line Cabbage Patch Kids.

Finally, these outfits came packaged by Hasbro, but the 150s series did not. Consequently, of the two DL outfit series, this one would likely be easier to find.

Purple skirt with matching patterned jean jacket and sweater top on a Cabbage Patch Kids packaging board. It has a bright orange sales sticker selling it for $4.98.

Clothing Notes:

The tags for these outfits are located in the jackets, which is highly unusual.
The sweaters may have been switched among outfits #182, and #183 as they are all very similar. The tags are in the jackets so this would be possible.
Designer Line socks are different from regular Coleco socks.
I’m not sure if the boy’s outfits came with socks at all.

These outfits were likely made by Hasbro, who may not have been as diligent at making sure the same accessories always went with an outfit. I just don’t have enough evidence to show that the socks and shoes that came with each outfit were entirely consistent. It’s possible that the accessory colour changed based on what they had available. If you have a MIB kid that doesn’t match my records, please let me know!

178 – Jock Jacket and jeans (Boy)

This outfit consists of a jacket, dickie, striped dress shirt, slacks (solid colour), underpants, socks (I think), and chunky shoes. I’m pretty sure this outfit came with socks, but I’m not completely sure!

Picture of outfit 178B. It has a jacket with a purple trunk and red sleeves and aqua trim. There's a CPK patch on the right breast. The shirt is striped aqua and white and there's a pair of grey pants. — Dickie

This picture shows the dickie that is supposed to come with this outfit. It is visible under the shirt and pants here and is dark pink. — Dickie

179 – Sweater jacket, sweater, and skirt outfit (Girl)

This outfit consists of a sweater jacket, sweater, and skirt (made of sweater material). The shirt has a large decal on the front that is a triangle or rectangle, and the skirt that is a solid colour. It comes with undies, chunky shoes, and socks. It’s very similar to outfit 183; the only real difference is the jacket.

Outfit 179B. The jacket is pink, aqua and purple check with thick gold trim. The sweater has a purple check trunk and aqua sleeves with gold trim. The skirt is made of sweater material and is solid aqua. — Photos courtesy of Jodi’s Punky Patch.

180 – Overalls with jacket (Girl)

This outfit consists of three pieces, chunky shoes, socks, and undies. The prints used are all colourful and crazy!

Jean jacket with large flap pockets
Solid coloured long-sleeved shirt with coloured trim
Overalls with large leg cuffs and three buttons up the middle front

Outfit 180D. It has a jacket that has a patterned base (had animals) and pink pockets and trim. The pockets have flap closures. The shirt is gold with aqua trim. The overalls are the same pattern with pink cuffs and button strip. You can also see the purple undies and purple and white shoes. — Pictures courtesy of Sarah Galt.

181 – Coveralls with long jacket (Girl)

This outfit consists of two pieces, socks, chunky shoes, and undies. The first piece is a long jacket that’s half a solid colour and half a pattern and has rucked pockets. The second is a set of coveralls with a waist tie and three buttons up the middle front.

Outfit 181A. It has a funky patterned long jacket with large ruched pockets and matching sleeve tops. The coveralls are all one colour/pattern and are purple with aqua shoes attached. — Photo courtesy of Kristi Prieto Sams.

182 –Leather jacket and sweater (Boy)

This outfit consists of a leather jacket, sweater, and slacks. It comes with socks (I think), shoes, and underpants. The sweaters all have a large decal on the front. Some of them say CPK Airborne Division.

Shows a #19 cornsilk boy with a brush cut wearing outfit 182B. It's a brown leather jacket with a sweater underneath and grey slacks and aqua and white shoes. — Photo courtesy of Vanessa Brisson.

183 – Skirt, sweater, and jean jacket (Girl)

This outfit consists of a jacket with large solid-coloured pockets, a sweater, and a skirt (made of sweater material). The shirt has a large decal on the front that is a triangle or rectangle, and the skirt is a solid colour. It comes with undies, chunky shoes, and socks. It’s very similar to outfit 179; the only real difference is the jacket. It’s possible that they all came with gold socks.

Outfit 183E. The jacket is had gold pockets and the main part is red with black diamonds. The sweater has a gold trunk and aqua sleeves with purple trim. The skirt is made of sweater material and is solid black. You can see the gold socks and red and white shoes as well. — Photos courtesy of Kristi Prieto Sams.

Version Information

My goal is to record every version of every outfit that was produced. With each outfit above is a record of the outfit versions I have recorded. To understand clothing codes, factories, and variations, please refer to What are Clothing Tag Codes? and Factories and Companies.

I appear to have many of the outfits recorded, but if you have an outfit that is not recorded here, I would like to hear from you. This includes any differences in accessories. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details, visit Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Other Information

DL kids and outfits can also be found in ‘regular’ kid boxes of the same time period.

These outfits showed up in the Coleco Catalogues in 1989 and Hasbro catalogues in 1990. Many of these outfits were never produced or were done in other colours.

Sources:

Ref #3, p. 170 – 175
Ref #2 p. 104 – 111

PTP: BBB Romper Surprise

This adorable outfit holds a great surprise, if you’re willing to look closely.

Caucasian Bean Butt Baby (Coleco Baby) with a dark blond looped tuft and brown eyes. She's wearing a purple onsie with pink footies and two pink buttons shaped like hearts.

This is Helenna Storm. She’s a Transitional BBB wearing a Hasbro outfit. If you take a close look at this outfit, there’s a fascinating detail.

A purple onsie with pink footies and two pink buttons shaped like hearts. The sleeves and both sides are solid purple, and the middle panel is white with purple and pink words.

If you look closely, the middle panel has words on it. Can you read them?

Close up of the words in the white central panel of the outfit.

Did you get it? Yes! It’s the Legend of the Cabbage Patch Kids that was originally printed on the Coleco boxes.

The story "The Legend of the Cabbage Patch Kids" from the side of a 1984 Cabbage Patch box.

Isn’t that awesome! Someone who’s creative and pays close attention to detail was involved in designing this outfit. I bet they loved CPK’s as much as we do!

I also have this outfit recorded as coming in teal.

Do you have it in any other colours?

An AA Bean Butt Baby (Coleco Baby) wearing a teal and purple version of this outfit. — Source unknown

Hasbro Apron Dress – #505

Very similar to the Coleco Apron dress, these Hasbro outfits are harder-to-find, having been sold for a very short time. Can you collect all 5?

These dresses came out sometime around 1989/1990 and were worn by regular-sized, yarn-haired, Transitional kids. Consequently, they were not sold for long and can be hard to find.

Five dolls standing on CPK doll stands. Each is wearing one of the Hasbro Apron dresses with matching Ballet Flats and ruffled socks. — Photo courtesy of Chris Hansing Tallman.

Like other Transitional outfits, their tags have a Coleco number/letter code but are on Hasbro tags. For an explanation of the Coleco codes, visit What are Clothing Tag Codes.

I believe these outfits likely came with either ballet flats or a coordinating coloured pair of Mary Janes. I have evidence that 505A came with yellow ballet flats, and 505B came with pink Mary Janes. However, the shoes used may not have been consistent by this time, so the colour and shoe type could vary considerably.

These are the known versions of this outfit. It is believed, by collectors, that this is a complete set.

Visit #505 – Apron Dress for information on the earlier Coleco version of this dress. The most obvious differences between the two outfits are the lack of shoulder-ties and CPK logo patch.

#505 – Apron Dress

Beloved and beautiful, the Apron Dress is a beautiful addition to any patch.

Summary of 500s Series outfits and a list of the outfits: The 500s Series

Description

This outfit consists of a cotton dress with an ‘apron’ overskirt and ribbon shoulder-ties. It is matched with a pair of bloomers and regular lace-up shoes. The apron is edged with scalloped lace and is made of shadow-striped white fabric. There is an arched Cabbage Patch Kid logo patch on the left side of the apron (skirt).

PIcture of #505J OK, a yellow version of this outfit. — #505J OK

Coleco started selling this outfit in 1985. It likely ended production no later than sometime in 1986. If it is found on later kids, it was likely because the company was 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. To understand clothing codes, factories, and variations, please refer to these posts: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes?, Factories and Companies

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. You have a 504A OK that is yellow, not pink.) I would like to hear from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details, visit Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Factory Variations -none

Similar Outfits

> Hasbro Apron Dresses – Hasbro manufactured this series of very similar dresses. They were worn by Transitional kids. The most significant differences, other than the fabric patterns, are the lack of shoulder ties and logo patch.

Picture of the Hasbro transitional version of the Apron dress. This one is blue with white polka dots. — Photo courtesy of Jodi’s Punki Patch.

> Outfit #3 – Shoulder-Tie Dress

> USA Version Shoulder-Tie Dress

Blue and white gingham USA version of the shoulder-tie dress. — USA Factory Version

> Mimic Outfit #656

Outfit #656, an outfit that mimicked the shoulder-tie dress. This one is blue with white polka dots and a white blouse area. — #656 – Mimic Series;
Photo courtesy of Kat Perhouse.

> 25th Anniversary Shoulder-Tie Dress (Play Along)

Pink Gingham Play Along 25th Anniversay version of the shoulder-tie dress. — 25th Anniversary Version

> Foreign Factories: There were many variations of the #2 Shoulder-Tie Dress 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

Other Information

> Fun fact: This outfit can be found in the 1985 Coleco Catalogue (p. 2). This appears to be a prototype outfit, as there are numerous differences between this dress and the one eventually produced.

PTP: H101 Factory – A Short Transitional Period Blip

What is this odd factory code about? What does it herald?

For context read the following posts first:
Tag Codes Continued: A 2nd Theory
Part 2: A code addition

A small number of outfits and dolls have the factory code H101. I have only seen a 1989 preemie and a Babyland Kid with this factory code, and all of the clothing tags with this code have been found on BBB outfits with outfit numbers 0-101 to 0-106.

These tags are from the first factory that produced Hasbro Cabbage Patch items, located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

The tag from outfit 106A that shows it was made for Hasbro Inc in Pawtucket, RI. — Photo courtesy of Shilo Smith.

H101 Tags

H101 tags look like Coleco tags and have Coleco-like outfit codes, but if you look closely, you’ll see that the item was made for Hasbro Inc. It is likely they wanted to create a factory code for the new Hasbro factory and chose H101. H is likely for Hasbro, and maybe the 101 represents the number they were starting at.

However, it appears that this tagging system did not last long, probably only for a short period in 1989. There are very few examples of these outfits, and by 1990 they had moved on to more obvious Hasbro tags, and the factory code vanished.

0 – additional tags

The next step seems to be clothing tags with the code addition number 0-, as discussed in the Code Addition post. All of these outfits are 400s numbered outfits.

These outfits may have been the last new outfits created or co-created with Coleco during the transitional period.

For more detailed and up-to-date information about the H101 Trsntiional time period, visit HERE

For a complete list of companies that produced CPK’s and Coleco factories click HERE.

PTP: Packaged Outfits: Questions and (Some) Answers

Many outfits were sold packaged separately, some that came on the dolls and some that didn’t. When were they produced and what outfits were they?

Packaged Outfit: an outfit that was sold separately in its own box, without a doll.

Early Coleco Packaged Outfits

Coleco marketed four different packaged clothing lines.

Line 1

The first was produced in 1983 and was never sold on the kids. It was called the Casual Wear Line and included at least eight outfits.

Packaged Engineers Overalls from the CPK Casual Wear Line — Photos courtesy of Kat Perhouse.

Packaged Red Teddy Bear suit from the CPK Casual Wear Line — Photos courtesy of Kat Perhouse.

Line 2

The second line was small, with only three outfits, and was produced in 1984. I call it the 1984 Knit Series. It was produced by the EX factory.

Yellow and white knit outfit with sweater, pants and hat.

Packaged knit outfit with purple knit shortalls with suspenders and a matching white sweater with purple accents.

Line 3

The third came out in late 1983 I think, or early 1984. The contents are all 1983 series outfits. Although outfits from many factories were packaged, the CC factory only produced clothing for packaged outfits. If iti’s a CC outfit, it didn’t come on a doll.

Collage of pictures showing packaged outfits including a blue ducky dress, red elephant romper and yellow trimmed kitty track suit.

Line 4

The fourth ‘line’ consists of the specialty outfits that were produced in 1985 and later. Some of these outfits were intended only for sale as packaged outfits but were sold on dolls eventually. Eg. Sports outfits. Others were only packaged when Coleco found itself with an overabundance of outfits. Eg. Twin outfits, World Traveller Outfits. Although these outfits were not officially promoted as a ‘line’, they all came out around the same time.

Pair of dark green velveteen twin dresses with tams on a board packaging. — Twins (Courtesy of Holly Jean)

Spanish World Traveler girls dress on a board package. — Twins (Courtesy of Holly Jean)

Transitional Coleco Outfits

In 1989/90 Coleco started producing a number of outfits that were only sold in packages. These make them hard to find as they were not sold for long and were only available separately from the kids.

The Outfits line included outfits in the following code series: 120s, 130s, 400s (that I am aware of to this point) and transitional Hasbro outfits. Some of these outfits were also produced by Hasbro and do not have recognizable tag codes.

A packaged peach bunting bag with ruffle accents, two flower patches and a hood.

A packaged jean skirt with suspenders over a shirt that has a red trunk and purple sleeves. The transfer on the front is neon green.

The COLECO Deluxe Outfits line includes outfits in the 140s series along with other new pieces.

Packaged jacket of red, white and black plaid with red accents. — Photos 1 & 3 are courtesy of Jodi (Punki Patch).

Packaged pair of purple, pink and white cameo patterned overalls with a white shirt with purple trim. — Photos 1 & 3 are courtesy of Jodi (Punki Patch).

However, there was a concurrent HASBRO line.

Transitional Hasbro Outfits

Hasbro must have found themselves with an overabundance of Designer Line (DL) outfits, as the Deluxe Outfits that they packaged (on virtually the same packaging as Coleco) consisted of entirely DL outfits. Currently, I have evidence for the use of the 170s and 180s series of DL outfits, not the 150s series.

Outfit 180A packaged. It includes the jacket, overalls and shirt. — Middle photo courtesy of Holly Jean.

Outfit 179 packaged. It includes the jacket, sweater, and skirt. — Middle photo courtesy of Holly Jean.

Hasbro then produced three packaged outfit lines independent of Coleco. This most likely occurred from 1989 to 1990+. As they are not numbered in the ‘traditional sense I cannot slot them into the clothing record I am creating. However, they are interesting, nonetheless. They are:

Packaged Deluxe Fashion yellow ducky raincoat — **Deluxe Fashions** – Not to be confused with the Deluxe Outfits.

Packaged Deluxe Fashion red and white western themed dress that includes the dress, shirt and bandanna. — **Deluxe Fashions** – Not to be confused with the Deluxe Outfits.

Packaged "Fashion" of a pink dress with blue sleeves and a matching blue bow. — **Fashions** – Hasbro; Photos courtesy of Nichole Sorensen Barnes.

Packaged "Fashion" of a pink sleeveless dress with a matching pink silk bow. — **Fashions** – Hasbro; Photos courtesy of Nichole Sorensen Barnes.

Packaged Fashion Separates on a board. It's a pink shirt with heat transfer patch. — **Fashion Separates** – Hasbro; Last two photos courtesy of Nichole Sorensen Barnes.

Packaged Fashion Separates on a board. It's a steel blue dress with little colourful pockets. — **Fashion Separates** – Hasbro; Last two photos courtesy of Nichole Sorensen Barnes.

Splash and See Surprise Pouches.

During the transitional years, Hasbro also produced a type of packaged outfit which included a ‘gimmick’. As many of the outfits used were already in production, it may be that they were trying to get rid of extra stock. This is not clear.

The Splash and See Surprise packages contain an outfit and a small pouch with a surprise in it. When you wet the pouch it would melt away and your surprise was revealed. During a 2020 Facebook group discussion, it was noted that these pouches were included with kids as well. (Ref. FB discussion, Jodi (Punki Patch), Feb. 7, 2020) The surprise items included sunglasses, hair barrettes, hair combs, or outfit pieces. Some of the clothing came from the 150s clothing line produced by Coleco in 1989 and some only have Hasbro tags.

Surprise pouch and contents of a dark pink comb and silver hair bow. — The first three photos are courtesy of Jodi (Punki Patch).

Surprise pouch and contents of a pair of sunglasses. — The first three photos are courtesy of Jodi (Punki Patch).

Foreign Packaged Outfits

Some of the foreign factories produced packaged outfits as well.

Italian Jesmar packaged outfit; striped jogging suit. — Jesmar

Packaged Tsukuda Kimono outfit. — Jesmar

If you have any packaged outfits that you can ‘unpackage’ safely, or that have already been ‘unpackaged’, I would love to get pictures of the outfit and its tags! I have many information holes that need filling.