"Tressy" was trademarked in 1963 as a doll with "hair that grows" by the American Character Toy Company of New York.
American Character clearly intended that Tressy's "growing" hair feature would give the doll a marketing edge over its blockbuster competitor, Barbie.
Unlike Mattel, which maintained sole manufacturing and global distribution rights on its bestselling Barbie doll, American Character allowed the Regal Toy Company of Canada to manufacture and sell its own version of Tressy which had heavier eye and facial makeup.
In 1968 American Character filed for bankruptcy and Ideal acquired the defunct company's dyes, patents, and trademarks.
In 1971 Posin' Tressy could be purchased wearing a belted turquoise, satin and white lace long-sleeved mini dress and panties with matching bow tie shoes.