Images(2)

Wrapping Gown

Date1770-1810

OriginEngland

MediumWorsted, silk

DimensionsOH: 56"; OW (at sleeves): 59"; selvage width worsted 24 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2009-123

DescriptionMan's loose T-shaped gown of hard-surface worsted wool and silk, woven in plaid or tartan pattern in colors of red, yellow, grey-blue (crossing red to appear purple), cream, and black, lined with deep green heavyweight silk twill. The garment is cut with a standing collar created by rectangular back insert, a full front opening without fasteners, straight sleeves, and full skirts cut in one with the upper body, the side seams angling out from underarms to hem. The lining has strie patterning caused by a change of color in the weft. There is a slight variation in color on one of the cuffs. Photographed with reproduction shirt and antique white linen cap.
Label TextAlthough some call this style a "banyan," most period sources refer to the kimono-shaped man's garment as a "gown." Although the names are the same, the man's gown should not be confused with a woman's dress. In the eighteenth century, a "banyan" was apparently slightly more fitted than the man's gown, somewhat like a long coat with comfortable loose fit. This gown could have been used in a reversible manner, but construction features suggest that the tartan was intended as the outside: one sleeve has a slightly different tartan coloration than the other, an anomaly that is hidden when the green silk is turned up to form a cuff.
ProvenanceSaid to be from Stanford Hall, Leicestershire.