Tag: 25th Anniversary Outfits

25th Anniversary CPK Outfits

In my opinion, the 25th Anniversary kids are the best replicas of the original Coleco kids, and their outfits are just as good! Many people confuse them with the originals. Find out how to differentiate between them.

Anniversary CPK Outfits – 10th to 40th

Quick Links:    Girl Outfits
                              Boy Outfits
                              Preemie Outfits

The 25th Anniversary CPKs manufactured by Play Along are, in my opinion, the best replicas of the Coleco kids and clothes produced thus far. Although they created only one version of each outfit, they replicated many outfits. In addition, the outfits came on a wide variety of dolls. Play Along produced ten girl outfits, two boy outfits, and seven preemie outfits for this series. Each kid came wearing a white baby diaper with sticky tabs underneath.

These kids came in a box very similar to the original Coleco boxes, but the primary colours are silver and white, and each one came with a silver plastic spoon. They also have a special birth certificate and hand tag. The signatures on their bottom are black and say 25th Anniversary.

Brown ponytail, blue eyed girl in a white and green 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch box wearing the pinafore outfit.
25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid birth certificate for Sonya Helaine whose birthday is on December 13th.
25th Anniversary Cabbage patch kid bum signature. It's back with a 25th stamped below it.
25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch kid hand tag, front and back.
Diaper on a 25th Anniversary AA Cabbage Patch kid.

One consistent difference between Coleco and 25th Anniversary outfits is the buttons. The 25th buttons are much thicker and slightly smaller in diameter than any of the Coleco.

Comparison of a 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch button and a 1980's Coleco button, top on.
Play Along vs. Coleco
Comparison of a 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch button and a 1980's Coleco button, side on.
Play Along vs. Coleco

Reminder, these outfits do NOT have clothing codes.

Reminder, these outfits do NOT have clothing codes.

Shoes

These are also of high quality and look very similar to Coleco shoes. There are 25th Anniversary versions of the three original types of shoes, and all have the 25th logo on the sole of the shoe. Inside the heel, they have the pattern often associated with Jesmar shoes inside and say ‘Made in China / Fabrique en chine’. They also come with a piece of white cardboard in the bottom of the shoe (see sneakers below). I have no idea why.

Sole of a 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch shoe showing the CPK logo.
Inside heel of a 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch shoe showing the odd shape and the words "Made in China".
Lace-up 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch shoes.
Lace-up/ High-top Shoes
Mary Jane 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch shoes.
Mary Janes
A pair of 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch blue striped sneakers.
Sneakers
A pair of 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch pink striped sneakers.
Sneaker

Girl Outfits

All but one of these outfits are faithful replicas of the original twenty 1983 outfits. The Butterfly Dress is from the 1986 mimic outfits series.

Bubble Romper

This only came in yellow with a yellow sweater and booties. Unlike the original, the romper has flutter sleeves, and the knit pattern on the other pieces is similar to the KT outfits but still different. The yarn used for the knit outfits is thinner than the original Coleco yarn.  
Shoes: Matching knit booties; Quick Link: 1983 Bubble Romper

Yellow Bubble Romper outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. Pieces shot.
Close up of the front of the romper in the Bubble Romper outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.
Close up of the back of the romper in the Bubble Romper outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Ducky Dress

The 25th and the original outfits are very similar. I believe the yarn on the 25th is thinner, but otherwise, they would be hard to tell apart at a glance, although there are differences in the sleeve and collar ruffles.
Shoes: Mary Janes; Quick Link: 1983 Ducky Dress

Ducky dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.. Pieces shot.

Elephant Romper

The 25th version is very easy to distinguish from the original, as the 1983 version never came in pink. In addition, the elephant on the 25th version is a heat transfer, while the original has an applique. Finally, the white shirt has no coloured stitching and doesn’t undo at the back like the original white shirts.
Shoes: Pink striped sneakers; Quick Link: 1983 Elephant Romper

Pink Elephant Romper from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Heart Dress

At first glance, they look very similar. However, the 25th version doesn’t open all the way down the back, and the heart is a heat transfer rather than an applique. The other obvious difference is that the 25th dresses have two ribbon stripes around the bottom hem, whereas the 1983 version has three.
Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1983 Heart Dress

Pink Heart dress with tights from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. Pieces shot.
Close up of the back of the Pink Heart dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Pinafore Dress

At first glance, this outfit is also very similar to the original 1983 outfit. However, the edge stitching on the 25th outfit is different from many of the 1983 outfits and is black, whereas the others are all shades of blue. Finally, the 25th dress doesn’t open completely at the back like the 1983 version.
Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1983 Pinafore Dress

Pinafore dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.
Close up of the back of the Pinafore dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Ruffled Overalls

The 25th outfit is very similar to the 1983 outfit. It would be very difficult to distinguish between them in a photo, except that the blue 1983 overalls came with yellow rick rack on the shirt, not pink. However, that’s not conclusive evidence because there were 1983 shirts with pink rick-rack and may have been paired with the wrong overalls. Always double-check if you’re not sure. The most obvious difference visible differences are the buttons and lack of tag inside the shirt.
Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1983 Ruffled Overalls

Blue Ruffled Overalls with white shirt from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. Pieces shot.
Back of the Ruffled Overalls with white shirt from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.
Close up of the top of the ruffled overalls from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Shoulder-tie Dress

The easiest difference to spot between the 25th dress and the 1983 outfit is the collar colour. In the 25th outfits, the collar is the colour of the ‘blouse’, whereas the collar of the 1983 outfit is the same colour as the dress portion. In addition, the 25th dress doesn’t completely open down the back.
Shoes: Mary Janes; Quick Link: 1983 Shoulder-tie Dress

Pink gingham Shoulder-tie Dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.
Back of the Shoulder-tie Dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Corduroy Suit

The most interesting aspect of this 25th Anniversary outfit is that it only came on girls, whereas the 1983 outfit generally came on boys. In addition, the 25th Anniversary colour was never used in 1983 and the bear applique is a heat transfer, and the hat is a very unique shape, nothing like the 1983 hats. Finally, unlike the 1983 outfit, the 25th Anniversary outfit doesn’t come with a white shirt.
Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1983 Corduroy Suit

Aqua Corduroy Suit with bear heat transfer from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Windbreaker Outfit

This outfit has a few significant differences. With the pants, it’s the fabric and how white the stitches are for the pockets. For the shirt, it’s the lack of white neck and sleeve hems. With the jacket, it’s the logo and the collar. Each piece stands out as visibly 25th anniversary.
Shoes: Pink striped sneakers; Quick Link: 1983 Windbreaker Outfit

Windbreaker outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. it has a purple windbreaker, pink and white striped shirt and blue jeans. Pieces shot.
Back of the pieces in the Windbreaker outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. it has a purple windbreaker, pink and white striped shirt and blue jeans.
Back of the jeans from the in the Windbreaker outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Butterfly Dress

This outfit is unique amongst the girl outfits as it doesn’t replicate a 1983 outfit. The original Butterfly Dress came out in 1986. However, it never came out in this pattern, and the lace of the 25th version is very frilly, not the cotton used in the 1983 dresses.
Shoes: Mary Janes; Quick Link: 1986 #661 Heart/Butterfly Dress

Light blue Butterfly Dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. Pieces shot.
Back of the dress of the Butterfly Dress from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Boy’s Outfits

There are only two boy outfits, and both are from the original 1983 series.

Demin Romper

As I don’t own this outfit yet, I’m basing my analysis on what I can see in photos. This is the only 16” kid outfit that I’m missing.

It appears that the romper is made of thin cotton fabric, not denim and it has wider straps. I can’t see any differences in the shirt; however, it would not have a Coleco tag in it, which it would if it was Coleco. The hat appears to be different as well, but I can’t describe how.
Shoes: Blue Striped Sneakers; Quick Link: 1983 Denim Romper

A rust haired coloured, green eyed boy wearing a Denim Romper from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. It has a blue and white gingham shirt and red hat.
The back of a a rust haired coloured, boy wearing a Denim Romper from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. It has a blue and white gingham shirt and red hat.
A rust haired coloured, green eyed boy wearing a Denim Romper from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. It has a blue and white gingham shirt and red hat. The denim romper is pulled down and the shirt opened ou show his white baby diaper.
Photos from Ebay

Sailor Suit

This outfit is also very similar, but there are immediately visible differences. The accent stripes are silver, whereas the Coleco is always white, and the bow isn’t as big. In addition, the anchor is a heat transfer, not an applique.
Shoes: Blue striped sneakers; Quick Link: 1983 Sailor Suit

Blue Sailor suit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series. Pieces shot.
Close up of the front of the suit of the Blue Sailor suit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.
Close up of the back of the suit of the Blue Sailor suit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch series.

Preemie Outfits

There appear to be seven preemie outfits, but I could be missing some. All but the Bunting Bag outfit are from the original 1984 series. It’s from the 1985 B-series.

I’ve only owned one of these, so I can only comment on visible differences. It appears many came with some white cotton slippers or booties, but I’m not sure. Based on the “Only at Target” on these boxes, preemies were never sold in Canada. I’m unaware if Target sold them in other countries. Their boxes were slightly different, with a heart behind the logo. Their hand tags had the same heart.

Gown with vest

The 25th Anniversary version doesn’t appear to come with a hat, and it isn’t two separate pieces. The vest is attached at the side seams, and there’s no lace at the neck.
Shoes: White cotton booties; Quick Link: 1984 Gown with vest

Yellow gown with attached vest from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Back of the gown with attached vest from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.

Bubble Bottom Romper

This 25th Anniversary version has an all-white bonnet instead of a pink one with white lace. The small shoulder ruffles are made of frilly lace, not cotton fabric, and the waist ribbon is silky and sewn to the outfit, not cotton with the option of tying a bow.
Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1984 Bubble Bottom Romper

Brown eyed preemie MIB wearing the pink Bubble Bottom Romper from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Photo from HERE

Bunny Outfit

This outfit is very similar, except that this colour combination was never used. The blue isn’t dark enough. In addition, the hat has the pattern on the entire bill, not just the underside.
Shoes: Lace-up Shoes; Quick Link: 1984 Bunny Outfit

MIB brown-eyed preemie wearing the white Bunny Outfit with blue gingham accents from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Photo courtesy of Christine Szerlag
Two preemies with brown eyes wearing the white Bunny Outfit with blue gingham accents from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Photo from HERE

Yoked Gown

The 25th Anniversary and Coleco versions are very similar in almost every way. The lace is different, otherwise, visually it’s a great replica. Shoes: White cotton booties; Quick Link: 1984 Square Yoked Gown

MIB blue-eyed preemie wearing the yellow Squared Yoked Gown from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Blue-eyed preemie wearing the yellow Squared Yoked Gown from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series. The gown is pulled up to show the white cotton booties on her feet.

Frilly Gown

This 25th Anniversary outfit is significantly different from the original Coleco outfit. It never came in purple, and the neck area wasn’t white. In addition, in most cases, it should have four rows of lace around the neck. Finally, there’s no lace around the bottom hem of the dress. Shoes: White cotton booties; Quick Link: 1984 Frilly Yoked Gown

AA preemie wearing the purple Frilly Gown from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series. The gown is pulled up to show the white cotton booties on her feet.
Purple Frilly Gown from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Courtesy of Cathleen Mary

Striped One-Piece

These outfits are very similar to the original. They even look like they’re made from the same type of fabric. However, the lace on the 25th is frilly lace, not cotton lace like the original. Shoes: Lace-up shoes; Quick Link: 1984 Striped One-piece

AA preemie wearing the pink and white striped one piece with matching bonnet from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.

Bunting Bag Outfit                    

This is the only 25th Anniversary preemie outfit that is not a replica of the original 1984 outfits. It’s from the BSeries, which came out in 1985. It doesn’t have a hood (from what I can see) but there is a tie at the neck with a different type of string, not ribbon. Unlike the Coleco versions, which were either a solid colour or had striped sleeves, the 25th Anniversary outfit has solid white sleeves on a blue bunting bag.
Shoes: Unknown; Quick Link: B501 Bunting Bag

MIB brown-eyed, yellow tuft preemie wearing the blue and white Bunting Bag Outfit from the 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch preemie series.
Photo from HERE

Anniversary CPK Outfits – 10th to 40th

Cabbage Patch Kids have been in continuous production since 1983. Various companies have produced a wide variety of, but every 5 years we celebrate their continued creation and enduring appeal. Here’s an overview of each anniversary and the kids produced to celebrate them.

Anniversary dolls were produced every five years, starting in 1993 (year 10). The production companies often attempted to replicate the original Coleco dolls, with varying degrees of success. Below is a summary of the dolls produced for each anniversary, except for the 25th Anniversary Kids by Play Along, which will have a separate post soon.

10th Anniversary (Hasbro – 1993)

Produced by Hasbro, this was a limited-edition kid (100,000). These dolls had fabric-covered faces (not the regular vinyl of the Coleco kids) and were identical, although there are AA and caucasian versions. All of these dolls had the name Zora Mae and wore the same outfit. The outfit has been described as, “ [a] Pink floral dress trimmed with lace and a matching wide-brimmed hat, white lace tights, pink nylon panties, and white t-strap shoes.” (Ref #1, p. 43)

Pink 10th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Birth Certificate in envelope, showing the name Zora Mae.
Picture of the back of a 10th Anniversary cabbage Patch Kid with black cornsilk hair. You can see the 'hat' is actually just a brim.
Close up of the hem of a 10th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid dress showing the pattern, a line of lace, and the embroidered 10th anniversary patch.
AA 10th Anniversary kid complete with dress, shoes and hand tag.
Caucasian 10th Anniversary kid in box .
First four photos courtesy of Kattie Lynn. Final photo from HERE.

15th Anniversary (Mattel – 1998)

This is the first example of the anniversary kids being ‘replicas’ of the original 16′ Coleco kids and their outfits but in a limited fashion. For these dolls, they replicated only one of the original outfits, the Yoke Dress, and produced it in 4 different colours using gingham fabric.

Unlike the original outfit, this version has a removable yoke which ties at the back of the neck. The dress underneath looks very similar to the Bib Dress, without the bib, and is often confused with it. It came with Mattel’s version of white lace-up shoes (which have a hole in the bottom to be attached to the box) and white socks. (Ref #1, p. 126 – 129)

15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid sitting in the green liner of her box with hand tag and birth certificate. She is wearing a red gingham dress with white yoke. She has light brown skin and brown braids.
15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch red gingham dress and bloomers without the white yoke piece.
Back of a 15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch red gingham dress with the velcro fastener of the yoke visible over the shoulder.
MIB 15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid with hand tag and birth certificate. She is wearing a blue gingham dress with white yoke. She has white skin and dark blonde hair.
MIB 15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid with hand tag and birth certificate. She is wearing a green gingham dress with white yoke. She has white skin and lemon blonde hair.
MIB 15th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid with hand tag and birth certificate. She is wearing a pink gingham dress with white yoke. She has white skin and lemon blonde hair.
Last 3 photos unknown.

20th Anniversary (Toy’s R’US – 2003)

Toys R’US produced numerous dolls during this anniversary year and labelled many as anniversary kids. However, the special anniversary kids are a boy and girl pair who are dressed in prom-like attire. They were sold separately in standing boxes which have flaps on the front that cover the entire doll except for the face. They have cornsilk hair and, like the Coleco kids, their names were randomly assigned.

MIB 20th Anniversary TRU boy. The top pohoto shows the box, which is long and skinny and coloured silver with little decoration. The bottom has the CPK logo and the top has a hole for the kids face to look through. The bottom photo shows the box open and the doll visible with the CPK story on the inside flap.
Photo location unknown.

The boy dolls all wear a black tuxedo with a white shirt, a silk aqua-coloured vest, and a handkerchief. They also have an aqua-coloured flower on their collar, a black tie, navy blue socks, black TRU shoes, and black silk boxers!

Cornsilk haired 20th Anniversary TRU boy. He's AA with a black tux, white shirt and aqua vest and accents.
Back view of a cornsilk haired 20th Anniversary TRU boy. He's AA with a black tux.
Close up of a Cornsilk haired 20th Anniversary TRU boy. It shows a good view of his vest, tie.
Photos courtesy of Michelle LeRoux.

The girl’s all wear a matching aqua and pink dress, pink lace headband, white lacy tights, matching panties, and pink TRU shoes. They carry a matching purse/bag.

Blonde cornsilk TRU girl wearing an aqua dress with pink accents, matching headband with large pink flower and holding a matching bag.
Pieces of the 20th Anniversary girls outfit showing an aqua dress with pink accents, matching headband with large pink flower, silk undies, pink TRU shoes, white lace tights and holding a matching bag.

25th Anniversary (Play Along – 2008) (Separate post)

30th Anniversary (Jakks Pacific – 2013)

As before, JAKKS Pacific attempted to replicate the vintage Coleco kids for this anniversary. Like Toys R’Us, they produced several kids during this period, but only one set was labelled 30th Birthday Kids. Stickers on the boxes said Limited Edition Vintage Kids.

Although they seem to be attempting to replicate the original Coleco dolls, only two of the outfits are similar to the original 1983 outfits, the pink dress and the purple overalls. I believe each outfit only came in one colour, although apparently, the dress with the pinafore has also been seen in pink.

Picture of four 30th Anniversary Cabbage Patch girls, each in their box, wearing a different outfit. They have different hair and eye colour as well.

Interestingly, although they are being produced by JAKKS Pacific, because JP bought out PLay Along, they must have had access to their materials. The heads on at least some of these 30th Anniversary kids were created by Play Along 25the Anniversary molds! These are the last two girls shown above.

Head mold information on the back of a 30th Anniversary kid that says Copyright 2007, OAA INC. Play Along China.
Head mold information on the back of a 30th Anniversary kid that says Copyright 2007, OAA INC. Play Along China.

Other 30th Anniversary kids produced at the same time included, but aren’t limited to:

Two MIB Cabbage Patch Kid girls with "Commemorating 1983" stickers on the box. One is a red head with sailor dress and the other is a lemon blonde with a pink gingham dress.
Brunette Cabbage Patch kid girl in a purple dress inside a 30 Years CPK box that was sold only at Target inthe US. This doll looks more like the the later dolls in quality and outfit.

35th Anniversary (2018) – WCT

As far as I can tell, they just put some sort of Commemorating 35 Years on all the kids they produced this year. I’ve found at least three different box designs with this message on them. There does not appear to have been an attempt to replicate the Coleco kids or their outfits.

Brown yarn haired Cabbage Patch Kid wearing a pink ruched dress MIB. The box says "35th Collectors Edition".
Lemon yarn haired Cabbage Patch Kid wearing a light blue dress with pink ribbon, MIB. The box says "35th Collectors Edition".
Yellow cornsilk haired Cabbage Patch Kid wearing a purple dress with pink tights, MIB. The box says "Celebrating 35 Years".
Photos all acquired from Ebay or Amazon. Sorry!

40th Anniversary (Jazwares – 2023)

I haven’t seen anything produced to celebrate the 40th anniversary, however, we still have 7 months, so keep your eyes peeled.

At this time, the current 2023 babies are available through Jazwares in California USA.

Preemie Outfit #4: Gown with square yoke

The preemie version of the regular kids Yoke dress.

Main graphic with a mauve background that says "#4 Gown with yoke" in black text and has a picture of a Cabbage Patch kid with a preemie wearing a blue version of the outfit.

1984 Preemie Clothing Series Summary

Description

This outfit has two pieces:

  1. Cotton gown. It has a white square yoke at the neck which is trimmed in lace and has a bow bottom centre. The bottom hem of the gown is straight. There are two parallel lines of lace running around the bottom of the gown. The sleeves also have a line of lace parallel to the hem and are trimmed with lace. The lace around the bottom hem is different from the lace everywhere else.
  2. Bonnet. It is the same colour as the gown and trimmed with two lines of lace (which is different from the lace on the dress)

Footwear: Knit booties

Picture of a yellow shadow striped version of the gown with square yoke outfit and matching bonnet,

This outfit was most likely sold only from 1984 – 1985. Some packaged versions may have sold later than that.

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

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 4F OK that is pink, not baby 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

> There are no observable differences between outfits produced by different factories.

> 25th Anniversary Preemie Outfits: For more information, visit 25th Anniversary Outfits.

Picture of a 25th Anniversary preemie with blue eyes wearing a pink version of the yoke dress.

Preemie outfit #1 – Gown with Vest

A gown with a vest and matching bonnet.

Blue graphic with a picture of a Cabbage Patch preemie wearing a gown, vest and bonnet. It says #1, Gown with vest" in black lettering.

1984 Preemie Clothing Series Summary

Description

There are 3 pieces to this outfit.

  1. Gown: Long cotton gown with a straight across bottom. There is lace along the bottom hem, around the end of the sleeves, around the neck and in a single strip down the middle front. This is the tagged piece.
  2. Vest: A different colour/pattern than the gown. It ties closed at the front with satin ties. Lace edges from the chest area all around the bottom hem. The arm holes are capped with small flutter sleeves.
  3. Bonnet:  Cotton bonnet that is the same colour as the gown. Edged with lace.

    The lace on the sleeves and down the front of the gown is different from the other lace in the outfit.

Footwear: Shoes / Booties

This outfit was most likely sold only from 1984 – 1985. Some packaged versions may have sold later than that.

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

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 1D OK vest that is pink and white gingham, not white with purple buds) 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

> At this time I can see no observable differences between outfits produced at different factories.

> B-Series outfit: There is a BSeries version of this outfit, but I don’t have the number recorded.   (Future Post)

> 25th Anniversary Preemie Outfit: This outfit looks very similar but the vest is attached and doesn’t continue around to the back. For more information visit, 25th Anniversary Outfits.

Picture of a yellow gown with attached vest. The 25th Anniversary version of the outfit.

#20 Sailor Suit

Safe harbour and calm winds.

Main graphic with light green background and black text tha says "#20 Sailor Suit" and is bracketed by two kids. The first kid is an auburn looped, brown eyed boy with #4 paci head mold wearing a white sailor suit with vivid blue accents. The second is the same hair and eyes with a #2 head mold and wearing a red sailor suit with white accents.

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

Description:
Legless romper with short sleeves made from cotton twill fabric. It has a sailor collar with trim and a fabric necktie. There is a pocket with an anchor patch on the right breast pocket and button accents at the waist. Decorative features are enhanced with contrasting trim. It came with sneakers and socks.

Outfit 20B KT. Red sailor suit with white accents, anchor on the pocket, and tie.
Outfit 20B KT

This outfit is not technically a part of the 1983 series as it did not come out on kids until 1984. (Ref #4, Vol. 3 Iss. 8, p.5) However, based on the numbering convention, it is just easier to include it in the 1983 series. It was manufactured/ sold on MIB kids until at least 1986, but probably later.

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 20A OK that has green accents, not red) 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 manufactured by the primary factories CC and SS.

Variations

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

  • tie fabric
  • anchor colour
  • colour/shade
  • one vs. two accent colours
Collage showing four sailor suit outfits. It shows the comparison between version 1 and 2 of both outfits 20A and 20B. In both cases, the P factory outfits have two accent colours, versus one.

> Mimic outfits: The 25th Anniversary version is blue with white accents. It only came on boys. For more information, visit 25th Anniversary Outfits.

In box 25th Anniversary kid with butterscotch looped hair and blue eyes, #2 head mold. He's wearing a blue sailor suit with white accents and white silk ribbon tie.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to Identifying Jesmar Clothing. They came in a rainbow of wonderful colours.

Bald paci boy wearing a red sailor suit with blue tie and accents and white piping.
Triang Pedigree version ~ Courtesy of Jerry Marie
Two paci boys wearing sailor suits. One is blue and one s red. Both have white accidents. The patch on the pocket is a steering wheel, not the anchor o fthe others.
Lily Ledy Version ~ Courtesy of Mildri Yukart Ruiz
Picture of 6 kids standing against a wall. Each one is dressed in a sailor suit and looks different. Dark brown loops, red fuzzy, auduburn fuzzy, lemon loops, wheat loops and brown fuzzy, all except one with blue eyes. They are all paci kids. They are wearing the following coloured sailor suits: gold, aqua, celery green, navy blue, medium grey, and orange.
Jesmar sailor suit outfits (Photo courtesy of Monica Sehovic)

Other Information

> A unique Sailor Suit has been found, visit Sailor Suit Surprise!

#16 Denim Romper

Deceptively simple, incredibly cute.

Main graphic tthat has a red background, black text that says "#16 Denim Romper" with two kids bracketing it. The first kid is a brown haired shag wtih brown eyes, #8 head mold and glasses. He's wearing a red plaid shirt and jean romper with red cotton hat. The second kid is an AA bald, brown eyed #2 face mold with orange shirt and jean romper.

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

Original Name: Checkmates

Description:
Jean/denim romper with a square CPK silk label on the bib, worn over a collared short-sleeve shirt that closes at the front with one button. It comes with a red twill baseball cap, sneakers, and socks. Take note, some early versions may have come with regular lace-up shoes.

Outfit 16D, OK. Blue and white check t-shirt, jean romper, and red cotton hat.
Outfit 16D, 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 16A KT 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.

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

Variations

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

  • fabric colour/shade
  • romper stitching
  • romper structure
  • look of the square CPK logo
  • shirt fabric
A collage of pictures showing the differences in sewing and structure in the denim romper and the fabric shades of the shirts.
Pictures courtesy of Jodi’s Punki Patch.

> Mimic outfits: The Play Along 25th Anniversary version came with a blue and white check shirt and the traditional red cap. For more information, visit 25th Anniversary Outfits.

25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid, mint in box. He's got fuzzy wheat hair, green eyes and a #3 head mold. He's wearing a blue and white check shirt, jean romper and red cap.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. Tsukuda also put some of their twins in this outfit. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to Identifying Jesmar Clothing.

Tsukuda Twins
Jesmar Shirt

Other Information

> Refer to Beneficial Buttons for information on clear vs. white buttons.

> A few early Hong Kong versions of the outfit have been found with metal buttons and closures. I am unsure of the significance of this difference.

“Triple HK, 1983 KT Early HK kid – Bibbed denim romper with an aqua flannel shirt and red cap. Very unusual, however; is the romper itself which opens and closes at the side with 1/2″ copper naps which are embossed with USA style on each one. Snap fasteners also attached the straps to the bib. The shoes  . . . are white high tops with blue stripes, but the stripes are a dark teal shade, are very shiny and appear to be hand-painted. The inside soles of the shoes are stamped KT Hong Kong in bold black letters.” (Ref #4, Vol. 3 Iss. 3)

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(Photo courtesy of Kat Perhouse)

It is interesting that a second metal button outfit has been identified, and both outfits have the same red flannel shirt.

> The CPK logo changes in colour/look. This most likely happened due to changes over time, but may also be caused by the factory. I do not know at this time.

A comparison of the silk label used on the front of the CPK denim romper. There's a difference in size, design, and shade of green.

#14 Pinafore Dress

Pretty, pretty pinafores!

Main graphic with mustard yellow background and black text that says #14 Pinafore Dress, bracketed by two dolls. The first is a brown haired single ponytail with brown eyes and a paci and the second is a wheat double ponytail with green eyes and #1 head mold. They are both wearing pinafore dresses with various red accents.

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: Spring Picnic

Description:
A cotton dress that looks like it has a pinafore over top. The sleeves and bloomers are patterned.  The pinafore section is white with blue thread edging. There are two decorative buttons on the chest of the dress. It generally came with regular lace-up shoes and socks. Very occasionally, they came with Mary Janes.

Outfit 14S, PMI. White pinafore dress with pink and white striped sleeves and matching bloomers. The entire dress is edged in blue snitching.
Outfit 14S, PMI

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 14A KT that is green gingham, not solid red) 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 following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

  • shade/colour
  • colour and pattern of blue stitching
Collage of 4 pictures showing the various stitching patterns and shades of blue used by 4 different factories, OK, KT, PMI, and UT.

> Mimic outfits: Play Along used this outfit on 25th Anniversary Kids. The USA version of this dress was made with very thin cotton and looks quite different from the Coleco version, having more lace and no buttons.

USA Version,
Courtesy of Jodi Punki Patch

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

Jesmar
Triang Pedigree
Tsukuda, Courtesy of Holly Warcup

There are Tsukuda and Tri-ang Pedigree dresses that are structurally the same as the Pinafore Dress but which are the same pattern/colour all over. (Ref#3, p. 398)

Tsukuda brown haired poodle double ponytail girl with brown eyes and #1 head mold wearing a plaid dress with two buttons on the front and matching bloomers.

Other Information

> Be careful when comparing pinafore dress patterns as many look very similar to each other!
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> Refer to Beneficial Buttons for information on clear vs. white buttons.

#12 Ruffled Overalls

We’re all ready to play outside! Where’s the best climbing tree?

Main graphic with a neon green background with black text #12, Ruffled overalls". There are two dolls bracketing the text. One is a lemon double ponytail with blue eyes and #2 head mold. She is wearing blue ruffle corduroy overalls and a white blouse. The other girls is an AA with double ponytails, brown eyes, and rosy cheeks. She is wearing red overalls.

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

Original Name: Country Cousin

Description:
Corduroy overalls with a ruffle running along the strap and a white blouse underneath. The neck and sleeves of the blouse have coloured rickrack trim. It came with sneakers and socks.

Outfit 12B, KT. A pair of pink corduroy overalls with ruffles around the straps over a white frilly blouse with pink rickrack around the sleeve hems.
Outfit 12B, KT

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 12B KT 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.

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

Variations

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

  • fabric colour/shade
  • fabric type (various textures)
  • location of silk CPK label on the bib

> Mimic outfits:
Outfit #626, the Velveteen Overalls, came out in 1986ish and is a pair of velveteen overalls with a patterned cotton blouse. There are two versions.
Outfit #147 is a Transitional outfit that I believe only came packaged.
The Play Along 25th Anniversary version comes only in dark blue.
The 30th Anniversary version only came in purple.

Outfit 626
Outfit #147 courtesy of Gerri Doyra-Lamphier

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

Jesmar
Jesmar
Triang Pedigree


There are Tri-ang Pedigree and Tsukuda versions of the Coleco flower-patterned overalls (12H). All three versions are very sought after, the foreign more than the Coleco.

12H – Coleco, Tsukuda, Triang Pedigree (Ref#3, p.422)

Other Information

> The straps of the overalls are generally the same colour as the rest, but we have found some which are white cotton, and in at least one case, navy blue corduroy. There is currently no pattern that can provide a reasonable explanation for this.

White straps
Flowered vs. blue straps
Photo 2 courtesy of Chris Hansing Tallman

> A few outfits (a very rare occurrence) have been found with circular snaps used at the legs and to secure the straps. Both recorded examples are from Hong Kong Kids, one KT and one P factory. (Facebook Conversation, Mar 2022) It has been confirmed that if these are only Hong Kong outfits, they moved on to buttons and velcro even before the HK outfits stopped being produced.

KT HK with snaps
P HK with snaps
HK with buttons and velcro
Photos courtesy of Grace Jones, Laura Faulton, and Melissa Kegley. Thank you to Melissa Kegley (Email, July 2022) for pictures of her HK flowered overalls with buttons and velcro.

> The silk tags on the bib of the OK overalls are always located right along the seam. Other factories have it up, away from the seam.

> Jump to Unique Accents: PMI for information on the rick rack around the sleeves.

#11 Ducky Dress

One of the most popular outfits!

Main graphic with a green background, black text saying "#11 Ducky Dress" and two dolls. One is a lemon double ponytail blue eyed #2 wearing a white knit ducky dress with pink stripes. The second is a red double braid, blue eyed paci #6 wearing a yellow knit ducky dress with white and blue stripes.

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: Winter Warmer

Description:
Knit dress with matching bloomers. Two wide stripes run parallel to the hem of the dress, and it has a duck applique on the skirt. It generally came with Mary Jane shoes and socks. Very occasionally, it came with lace-ups.

Outfit 11E, P. Purple knit dress with matching bloomers. There are two wide pink stripes around the skirt and a duck applique on the skirt.
Outfit 11E, P

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 an 11A KT 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.

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

Variations

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

  • stripe colours
  • yarn colour/shade
  • applique used (other than a duck)
  • location of applique

> Mimic outfits: The Play Along 25th Anniversary edition of this outfit is baby blue and looks more like the early button dress version from the front. (see below) Take note that there are very good aftermarket versions of this outfit. They are often confused with CPK brand.

25th Anniversary
Aftermarket

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. The Tsukuda factory also made knit outfits that could be confused as a Ducky Dress from afar. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to Identifying Jesmar Clothing

Jesmar
Tsukuda Ruffle comparison
Tsukuda knit outfits

Other Information.

> Button Ducky Dress: The earliest iteration of this outfit only came out in early 1983 and is therefore considered hard-to-find. It closes at the back with three buttons and has a different look for the sleeves and neck. Many of these early outfits are also Hong Kong outfits. The white version is considered the hardest to find.

Neck comparison
Sleeve comparison
Back of button ducky dress

#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 shoulder-tie 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 aPlay Along 25th Anniversary outfit, and the USA factory produced this outfit.

#504 – Apron Dress
25th Anniversary Version
#656 – Mimic Series
USA Factory Version
Photo 3 courtesy of Kat Perhouse. Photo 4 courtesy of Jamie Osterbuhr.

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

Tsukuda, Courtesy of Carolyn Dahl Woods
Triang Pedigree, Courtesy of Shelley Lynne
Jesmar sailboat dress, orange
Jesmar Sailboat dress, blue; Courtesy of Carolyn Dahl Woods