Woman's Tennis Outfit
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Katharine Hepburn
American, 1907 - 2003
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1935
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched rayon knit with metal zipper, faux pearl button, and a plastic ring
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width at shoulders x waist circumference): 35 1/2 x 16 x 23in. (90.2 x 40.6 x 58.4cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
DescriptionThis ivory-colored rayon tennis outfit is one piece, with the top and shorts attached at the waist with a shaped band of fabric, the lower edge of which forms a slight "V" at center front. The waistband is cut with the wrong side of the fabric on the outside, to create a slight contrast. There are bust darts and a rounded, angled, patch pocket over each breast. The outfit is sleeveless, and the large armscyes and neckline both have self-fabric bias trim. The neckline is relatively high and round in front. The bias trim twists at the center front and gets wider toward the shoulder seams, then narrows again at the center back opening. At the center back neck is a faux pearl button and thread loop. The metal zipper begins 14 3/4 inches under this button, leaving a large opening at center back. There is a small back neck dart on each side. The shorts are made of a double layer of fabric and are wide and loose at the hem. On the proper left back side of the waistband is a plastic thread-covered ring, presumably for a belt (missing). The ring from the proper right side is missing, and the stitching marks are visible where it was once attached.
Object number2004.45.6
NotesMaterials Note: Though the Sotheby's catalog claimed that this tennis outfit was made of silk, microscopic analysis revealed that it was in fact made of rayon. (Jerome 7/1/2004)Date Note: According to costume historian Patricia Campbell Warner (authority on American women's sportswear), the tennis costume dates to the mid-1930s. (Schoelwer 11/10/2009)
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