These pants are the bane of my A-type personality. It’s VERY difficult to differentiate one pair of jeans from the other. Jeans are never tagged. Some of the factory differences are VERY subtle. It’s also hard to find correct information as you have to get it from a MIB kid to know the jeans are correct. Jeans can be switched out so easily and it’s done frequently.
As a consequence, this section is rather sparse. Here’s what I know.
OK Factory Jeans Characteristics
Tend to be shorter than other pants but not always
Sometimes the fabric an outfit is made out of can give you an idea about where it was made.
Do you have an outfit made from an unusual fabric? What does it mean?
From experience, I’ve noted that from 1983 to 1984, certain factories used specific fabrics for some outfits. This means that if an outfit is made from a certain fabric, you’ll have some idea of what factory/place may have made it.
I’m sorting this list in two ways; first by fabric type, second by outfit. The first group had more than one or two outfits made with it. Please note, I’m not an expert in fabrics, so if I’ve used the wrong term/label please let me know!
This fabric was used by all Taiwanese factories for the Corduroy Suit (#5), Ruffled Overalls (#12), and preemie Sailor Romper (#14).
Chinese vs. TaiwaneseChinese vs. TaiwaneseTaiwanese vs. ChinesePhotos courtesy of Lynn Finley and Jodi Isaacs.
Soft Felt-like Material
This fabric was used by Taiwanese IC and WW factories for the Corduroy Suit (#5), and Elephant Romper (#7). NOTE: WW factory outfit from the 1983 series are HTF.
Photos courtesy of Sarah Bensette-Renaud and Sherri Evans Downey.
I believe that this fabric was only used by the OK factory for the Elephant Romper (#7), however, I have a very limited sample size. It was also used for Jesmar Preemie bunny outfits.
Photos courtesy of Gia Levato and Jennifer Pelfrey.
NOTE: Velveteen was used for other outfits too, but they are later outfits and it wasn’t factory or outfit indicative.
Heavy Canvas fabric
This fabric was used by some Jesmar factories for Swing dresses and Yoke dresses.
Pictures courtesy of Jennifer Pelfrey.
BY OUTFIT
Striped Jogging Suit (#18) – Most of them have cotton material at the arms and legs. However, some are made with a silkier, thicker, more synthetic material. This fabric was used by the P, PMI, LF, and IJ factories (that I know of).
USA FactoryPMI FactoryPhotos courtesy of Sarah Bensette-Renaud and Jodi Isaacs.
31 Tracksuit (#8) – Taiwanese material is not very fuzzy and is very thin.
USA Pinafore Dress – The pinafore section of these dresses is a very thin cotton, almost translucent.
Photos courtesy of Jodi Isaacs.
Fake jean cotton fabric – This was only used for Jesmar Denim Rompers.
Jesmar Tights – Rather than the regular silky cotton material, some Jesmar tights are made of a more knitted type fabric. They were generally short and did not fit well.
The last of the 500s series outfits, this jogging suit is perfect for enjoying the outdoors or just lounging around the house. Kids can be comfortable anywhere!
Summary of 500s Series outfits and a list of the outfits: The 500s Series
Description
This outfit consists of a cotton shirt and pants. The shirt has a solid colour tank top style section and a second colour for the sleeves and neck. There is an arched Cabbage Patch Kids patch on the chest. The bottom hem of the shirt feels thinner and less ‘finished’ than the other hems. The pants are in two sections. The top half is a third solid colour and has a sort of ruffle at the bottom. They look a bit like shorts. The remainder of the leg is the same colour as the sleeves. This outfit came exclusively on dolls designated as being a ‘boy’. This outfit came with blue striped sneakers.
518K OK
Coleco started selling this outfit in 1985. It likely ended production no later than sometime in 1986. If it is found later on a kid or in a package, it’s likely because the company was using up old stock.
If you have an outfit that is not recorded here, I would like to hear from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details, visit Taking Clothing Tag Pics.
It appears that some of the shirts may have come with more than one pair of overalls. This is a problem because it’s the shirts that have the information tag. This could mean that there’s more than one version of some letters. (FB Conversation, May 2020)
Factory Variations
Although this outfit was produced by at least three different factories, I cannot find any obvious factory variations.
Similar Outfits
#8 – 31 Track Suit: Although it does not look very similar it is very easy to confuse the pants for this outfit with the pants for outfit 518. In some cases, it almost looks like they could be swapped out!
Other Information
> Fun fact: Prototype versions of this outfit can be found in the 1985 Coleco Catalogue, p. 4 and the JC Penny Christmas Catalogue, p. 4. The blue, grey, and white version was never produced; however, the red, gold, and teal version looks a lot like the PMI outfit! In addition, they have iron-on transfers, not embroidered patches for the logos.
Warm and cozy and ready for a romp in the snow! Don’t forget the toque!
Summary of 500s Series outfits and a list of the outfits: The 500s Series
Description
This outfit consists of a one-piece suit, toque, and scarf. The suit is made of corduroy and has a cotton ruffle that runs from shoulder to shoulder across the front and a matching ruff at the neck. The scarf and hat are knit. The hat generally has a pink pom-pom except for the yellow and purple outfits, which have a matching coloured pom-pom. The scarf is striped by the two colours of the outfit and white. It has a curved Cabbage Patch Kids logo near the fringe.This outfit came with regular lace-up shoes.
513H 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.
Long-time collectors believe that this outfit only came in the six versions described below. However, if you have an outfit that is not recorded here, 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
There are variations between KT and OK. The KT scarf is longer and has longer fringe. The knitted ruffles on the OK suit are wider and the knit of the OK hat is tighter. The KT had is longer.
As the PMI factory did not make many 500s series outfits, this is the rarest version of this outfit and I do not have one to make any comparisons with.
513S PMI; Picture courtesy of Jodi’s Punki Patch.
Similar Outfits – none
Other Information
> Fun fact: A prototype version of this outfit can be found in the 1985 Coleco Catalogue (p. 2). As far as I know, this version of this outfit was never produced.
Every collector wants the portrait dress that looks like them, or one of their kids. Which one is your unicorn?
Summary of 500s Series outfits and a list of the outfits: The 500s Series
Description
This outfit consists of a dress and solid coloured tights. The dress has an embroidered patch of a CPK (from the waist up) that is wearing a CPK Logo Dress. The patch has pigtails and two ribbon bows. The hair, eye, and dress colours change for each version of the dress. The trunk and skirt are made of fleecy sweatshirt material and the sleeves, are a different material and striped. This outfit came with mary jane shoes.
511K
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.
If you have an outfit that is not recorded here, I would like to hear from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details, visit Taking Clothing Tag Pics.
Variations
This outfit was made by the P and OK factories. There seems to be a significant amount of variation between factories when it comes to the hair, eye, and dress colours used. Kat Perhouse has created this very helpful and easy-to-follow chart. I assume that all the outfits that match visually, for example, the two mint greens 511D, are an OK version and P version. I don’t have enough data yet to know about the ones that are not the same.
According to Kat Perhouse “The OK factory ones are the common colours and the P factory ones are HTF colours. The P factory ones stripey material is more course, while the Ok stripey material has a looser weave and is softer. Also, the embroidered girls/decal on the Ok factory seems to be sewn into the waistband, whereas on the P factory it’s not sewn into the waistband.” (FB Thread, Mar. 19, 2020)
Similar Outfits
Logo Dress: This is a variation of the outfit that came out later. For details, visit 511 Portrait Dress (Post Coming Soon).
Toddler Outfit: This is a later Coleco Toddler outfit (code unknown) that looks somewhat similar.
Courtesy of Pat Slovak
Other Information
> Fun fact: A prototype version of this outfit can be seen in the 1985 Coleco Catalogue (p. 2).
With only three versions of this outfit produced, it’s difficult to find. Obtaining one with the hat is even more difficult! Learn all about this cute warm and cuddly outfit.
Summary of 500s Series outfits and a list of the outfits: The 500s Series
Description
This outfit consists of a top, bottoms, and hat; all of it knit. The top is a striped white and coloured pattern with eyelet lace that runs along the join between sleeve and trunk. There is an arched Cabbage Patch Kids logo patch on the bottom left side. The bottoms are solid coloured pants with ballooned legs with ribbed extra-wide hems. The hat is the same colour as the pants and has a pom-pom on top. This outfit came with regular lace-up shoes.
The colour of the logo patch does not appear to stay consistent across production. For example, both outfits below, 510A, are from the KT factory.
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.
Long-time collectors believe that this outfit only came in the four versions described below. I wonder if there is an orange KT version of 510A? If you have an outfit that is not recorded here, I would like to hear from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details, visit Taking Clothing Tag Pics.
> Fun fact: A prototype version of this outfit can be found in the 1985 Coleco Catalogue (p. 3, 17). As far as I know, a purple version of his outfit was never actually produced.
This is a great sporty outfit but the kids are always losing their leg warmers!
Summary of 500s Series outfits and a list of the outfits: The 500s Series
Description
This outfit consists of a dress, tights, and leg warmers. The dress has mesh sleeves and neckline. The attached skirt is pleated. The front has a silk-screened Cabbage Patch Kids arched logo above three hearts. I’m not sure which shoes this outfit came with, either pink striped sneakers or regular lace-ups.
#508A KT, Photo courtesy of Kat Perhouse.
It is believed that the outfit did not start being manufactured until 1986, instead of 1985 like most of the others in this series. Consequently, it has a shorter manufacturing time and is harder to find. There’s no known explanation for this. For details, refer back to the summary post. This outfit only came out on kids. If it’s found packaged, it was done during the ‘inventory clean out’ that happened later.
If you have an outfit that is not recorded here, 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
I have only one factory, AX, to compare to the KT outfits. On the AX factory outfit (508B), the hearts appear to be slightly bigger, the skirt is hemmed differently, and it has larger skirt pleats.
Photo courtesy of Chris Hansing Tallman.
Other Information
> Fun fact: A prototype version of this outfit can be found in the 1985 Coleco Catalogue (p. 3, 16). There’s also a purple version on the 1st Birthday card. I don’t believe it was ever produced.
With only four versions of this outfit produced, it’s one of the hardest outfits to find. Obtaining a complete aerobics outfit with all the pieces is even more difficult! Learn all about this interesting outfit.
Summary of 500s Series outfits and a list of the outfits: The 500s Series
Description
This outfit consists of numerous pieces. 1) Striped one-piece with footies and long sleeves. 2) Bodysuit with a ruffle on the shoulder straps and a ruffle around the waist. The ruffles are the same striped pattern as piece #1, but the main portion of the bodysuit is a sold colour. This piece has the curved Cabbage Patch Kids logo patch on it. 3) A pair of slouchy leg warmers the opposite colour from the bodysuit. 4) Headband the same colour as the leg warmers (generally).
I believe that Coleco started manufacturing this outfit in 1985 because the PMI factory would not have had an opportunity to produce it otherwise. However, many believe the manufacture of this outfit didn’t start until 1986, as kids wearing this outfit are generally found in later boxes. It is a mystery.
Long-time collectors believe that this outfit only came in the four versions described below. UPDATE: However, we recently added a new PMI outfit to this list! Thank you April Shaw for your keen eyes. Are we missing any others? If you have an outfit that is not recorded here, I would like to hear from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details, visit Taking Clothing Tag Pics.
ABGS – Courtesy of April ShawT – PMI FactoryPhotos courtesy of Kat Perhouse.
Factory Variations -none so far
Similar Outfits
Outfit #325: This cornsilk outfit is the only outfit that looks remotely similar.
Other Information
Scarcity: As it was only made by one factory for most of its manufacture, this outfit is one of the more difficult of the 500s Series to find. It is also the 500s Series outfit with the least number of versions produced. Finally, it is extremely difficult to find an outfit with all the pieces!
How to determine which knit sweaters may go with which bubble romper. It’s all in the details!
Like all of the clothing made for Cabbage Patch Kids, the sweaters used in the #9 Bubble Romper Outfit are susceptible to differences based on factory. Meaning, the look of the sweaters changes based on the factory that produced them.
These sweaters are not tagged. (For information on what part of a CPK outfit do come tagged, visit Where are tags in clothing located?) Consequently, it is difficult to confidently match sweaters to rompers.
To determine which factory made a sweater, take note of the following.
The tension and pattern of the knit.
The patterns that are used for the edges and hems.
The pattern and look of the decoration around the neck. (If there are any.)
The colour(s) used around the neck.
NOTE: The factory of manufacture for each sweater is noted in the caption of the picture.
OK FactoryP FactoryKT FactoryIC FactoryPMI FactoryAX FactoryUT Fctory; Photo from Chrisa Easton.JesmarLily LedyTri-ang Pedigree
If you have a sweater that is not pictured here, or you have a better picture than one used here, I would love to see it.
Yellow Sweaters
I believe that yellow sweaters were only manufactured by the OK factory and for the 25th Anniversary Kids (Play Along).
OK factory sweater25th Anniversary Sweater; Photo from Cathleen Mary.
Knit Booties
The correct knit booties will match the sweater. They will have the same tension and knit pattern. For more information visit Shoes: Knit Booties.
These 16 outfits came out from 1985 to 1986 and are some of the most beloved for CPK collectors. It includes the Teddy Bear Overalls, Portrait Dress, Snowsuit, Country Dress, Apron Dress and more!
There are 16 outfits in this series. This equates to between 140 and 150 different versions of the outfits. They came on regular kids from 1985/1986. They can also be found on later kids and in separate packages as Colecogot rid of overstock between 1987 – 89. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Russell.
It’s believed that most of the 500s Series came out in 1985 but that some came out in late 1985 or 1986. It is interesting to note that the outfits believed to have come out in 1986 are also those considered harder to find. This makes sense as they were likely manufactured for a shorter period of time.
Like other Series, certain letters seem to have been produced primarily by specific factories. I call these the Primary Factory for each letter. For example, I think the KT factory produced the letters A and B (if they produced the outfit). Other factories may have made them, but not always consistently.
To the right are my theorized primary factories.
It would appear that not every letter was created for every outfit. In fact, we are quite sure that one outfit only has four options while the largest number for one outfit seems to be between 10 and 14.
For some outfits, there’s more than one version of a code. This is generally caused by variations between factories. This is why it is vitally important to look at both the clothing code AND the description when determining if the outfit has been recorded. For example, the IC version and the KT version might look slightly different.
AX FactoryKT Factory
Taiwan factory outfits (e.g. IC, AX) have been recorded in the 500s Series; however, they are rather rare. At this time, the Taiwanese factories were more focused on producing specialty outfits.
The PMI factory only operated for one year, between 1984 and early 1985. As a result, it only produced 500s Series outfits for a short length of time. (Ref #3, p. 30) Consequently, PMI outfits in this series are the rarest to find. I am unsure how many 500s Series outfits the PMI factory produced. I have a record of only three, the Snowsuit, the Multi-coloured Jogging Suit, and the Aerobics Outfit.
Courtesy of Kat PershouseCourtesy of Jodi’s Punk PatchCourtesy of Vera Burford
Tags
The clothing tags in these outfits are generally in either the shirt or the dress piece. The single exception is the windbreaker outfits, which are labelled in the jacket.
The P and PMI factories continued to use stickers for their codes (for details visit HERE). This can make it very difficult to record the complete code. We know that it was made by the P factory but don’t know the letter. If you have an outfit from these factories with the sticker, please check if it is recorded!
Some OK tags in the 500s Series also have stickers. I think this was done when they ran out of a tag and needed to use the tags for another outfit. They just covered the original code with a sticker showing the new one.
Shoes
As for shoes, they were specific to the outfit. Certain outfits came with certain shoes, but there were only three options: Sneakers, Mary Jane’s, and lace-up shoes (sometimes called high tops).
Note: The names I used for these outfits are either used extensively within the CPK Community I frequent or were created by myself where no consensus seemed to exist. If you have another possible name, please contact me.
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Russell.
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