Short Gown, Bed Gown

Date1775-1815

MediumCotton, block printed; linen tape.

DimensionsOverall length from shoulder to hem: 28 1/2"; waist 31 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1985-242

DescriptionUnfitted gown with short skirt cut in one with the bodice. Block printed floral design in brown and red, fully lined with a different floral print in brown. Rounded neckline with drawstring in casing at back. Open down the front, designed to be worn pinned closed. Sleeves are cut in one piece with body, extended 6 1/2" with piecing; sleeves designed to be folded back to form cuffs. Bodice back has drawstring in casing above waist, (about shoulder blade level).
Label TextShort Gown
Textiles printed in England; gown worn in America, 1775-1815
Block printed cotton; linen tape; linen sewing thread
1985-242
For physical labor and very informal occasions, women wore loose short gowns with separate petticoats as comfortable alternatives to tight-fitting gowns with long, full skirts. Short gowns were relatively inexpensive, as they required a minimum of fabric. The printed cotton added pattern and color to an everyday garment.
This rare garment is exceptionally fragile. The iron in the mordant used for the printing has caused some colors to darken to brown and to etch through the cotton. The brown colors were probably purple when the gown was new.
The neckline and back shoulders have stitched casings and drawstrings to provide some fit to the otherwise-unshaped garment.