Images(5)

Sleeve Puffs

Date1830-1835

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston

MediumCylinder Printed Cotton, White Down Feathers, Cotton Sewing Threads

DimensionsOther: 10 x 33in. (25.4 x 83.8cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2017-258,1&2

DescriptionThe puffs are made from a brown or perhaps purple (now faded) cylinder cotton print with a curling vine. The fabric is gathered into two separate bands. The upper band has four pair of ties that are stitched along the arms eye that would tie into the gown bodice, holding the puffs in place. The lower bands sat around the arm and are reinforced with a back stitch to provide support and hold out the puffs. The puffs are filled with white down. They show reuse as the underarm band has been spliced with a later fabric and sewn on with a machine.
Label TextSleeve puffs allowed women in the late 1820s and early 1830s achieve a fashionable silhouette. The style of gown during this period had what was known as a gigot sleeve. It started very wide at the top of the arm and tapered to the forearm, resembling a "leg of mutton." These puffs, made out of printed cotton were worn around the upper arm and tied into the bodice of the gown. The puffs are filled with down, making them very light. They are inscribed in the interior with ink M.A. Poole. Unfortunately the Poole last name is very numerous in the Boston area where this piece was collected, making it difficult to trace genealogy.
InscribedEach puff is marked in ink on the interior "M.A. Poole"