Dress
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1890-1900
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched cotton, with tagua nut buttons, and two modern replacement plastic buttons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center front length x width across shoulders): 52 x 15 1/4in. (132.1 x 38.7cm)
Hem (circumference): 100in. (254cm)
Other (center back length): 56 1/2in. (143.5cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Maison Auction Company
Object number1985.24.1
DescriptionWoman's work dress of woven plaid cotton in navy blue and brown on white. The center front opening of the dress is 25 inches long and fastens with thirteen light brown tagua nut buttons, carved with a ripple across the face and colored brown in the center and on the back. (Three of the buttons have been replaced.) The neckline is high and round, and is finished with a 1 1/4-inch-deep self-fabric ruffle. The full sleeves are gathered into the shoulder and gradually taper to the narrow wrist. The wrist opening is bound with self-fabric. The dress is fitted with two ten-inch-long darts on either side of the front, while the sides and back are cut with six pieces to achieve the correct fit. The seams open at the lower back into layered box pleats for fullness over a small bustle. Inside the box pleats, where the fabric has been protected, it is apparent that the fabric originally had pale lavender stripes, which have now faded out of the rest of the dress. The lower sleeves are patched with newer self-fabric, which also still shows the lavender stripes. A narrow tuck is taken around the bottom of the skirt, 3 3/4 inches above the hem. The bottom of the skirt is lined for a depth of about 4 1/4 inches with tan twill-woven cotton. The bodice is lined with white twill-woven cotton. The sleeves are lined with plain-woven cotton. The seams are finished with overcasting.
Status
Not on view
