Dress

Date1800-1810

MediumWhite cotton tabby; bodice and sleeves lined with tabby linen; linen sewing thread.

DimensionsOL: 63"; W (at shoulder): 13"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1985-279

DescriptionWoman's white, trained gown with raised waistline. Pleated back. Six tucks at hem. The sleeves are elbow length and edged with tucking. The gown front panel is one piece from neck to hem. The bodice has a lining that fastens with pins in front. The rounded neck is gathered by a draw string. Self fabric bands attached at the rear tie in front to form a high waist. The back bodice has diagonal seams. Construction details: The inner bodice consists of two loose pieces, attached at the side seams, and pinning at center front. The gathered top piece, cut in one with the skirt, is tied with drawstring over the underskirt, with pleats and densely tucked center-back fullness. Bodice back is cut very narrow, with vertical center seam and two straight seams from the sleeve slanting toward the center densely pleated portion of the skirt. Sleeve set back, with diagonal lines from shoulder seam.