Dress
Clothing/Dress/Costume
Machine-stitched asymmetrical three piece dress made of printed cotton with a black linear grid pattern. Basque (a)- asymmetrical bodice opens across the lower front. The opening, edge, cuffs, tails and hem is banded with brown bias cotton; fairly narrow sleeves with modest faux military pointed cuffs. Pleated military coat tail effect in back. Flat 2 hole pearl buttons down asymmetrical front and used as trims. The front has no shaping darts or seams, suggesting this was for a large body or maternity use. Skirt (b) - skirt with a waistband that buttons in the back (buttons missing). Gored, smooth across the front and tightly gathered across the back. The hem is finished with a brown wool braid, and a flounce set around the bottom; edged with brown. Fancy pocket low on proper right side. Overskirt (c) - overskirt gathered on a drawstring made of a torn strip of self fabric. Fabric pleated into the lower side seams to create a simple drape. There may have been a tie or tape attached to the seam allowances of the 2 back seams, 14" from the waist, to retain the drapery toward the rear. Hem is banded in brown.
G2011.025abc
Bruce and Susan Greene Costume Collection
Adult, Female
Dress
Historic Costume
Dress
Female
Cotton
Blue
Brown
1872 - 1876