Waistcoat
Dateca. 1770
OriginEngland
MediumSilk, linen, wool
DimensionsChest Measurement: 41 inches
Waist Measurement: 38 inches
Center Front Measurement: 22.75 inches
Center Back Measurement: 22.75 inches
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund
Object number2017-314
DescriptionRed silk satin waistcoat, quilted to shape with trailing vines creating the border along the neck, center front, hem, and around the pocket flaps. The body of the waistcoat and pocket flaps is filled in with serpentine lines. All of the quilting was done in red, now turned yellowish, probably tambour work. The fill (identified microscopically) is a long staple wool with another layer of bast fiber (probably flax) on the side that faces the interior. The waistcoat back, sleeves, and interior facings are made from a very hard spun worsted scarlet shalloon. The rest of the interior is lined in a course white linen. One button and buttonhole close the bottom of the sleeve. Thirteen buttons and buttonholes close the center front of the waistcoat. A tambour box is worked around each hole before being worked in buttonhole stitch. The pocket bags are made from a course unbleached natural brown linen. The waistcoat is fully wadded on the front with what appears to be wool.Label TextClothing throughout the 18th century typically reflected the climate in which one lived. Men and women needed clothing to keep them warm and comfortable in the winter months. This waistcoat, quilted to shape, and then brought to a tailor for construction provided plenty of warmth for the wearer. The silk was quilted with wool batting and the sleeves and backs were made of worsted wool shalloon. With no ability to change a thermostat, this waistcoat certainly helped to keep the wearer warm and comfortable during the winter.
