Antique-Gown

Unique ecru cycling jacket, ca. 1895, origin: England. Material is linen fabric. The jacket is characterised by extremely large gigot sleeves/puffed sleeves. Wide, tapered collar at the front, which merges into a sailor collar at the back. Black cotton piping. The jacket has no inner lining and no fastenings. A few seams need to be re-sewn. Subtle signs of wear. A faint stain on one lapel. Includes the breast insert, tie, belt and cuffs. The small brooch on the tie is not included.

Similar examples of this style of jacket are held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession no.1982.82.6a, b) and the Victoria & Albert Museum (accession no.T.15&A-1979). At this period, women's tailored suits had become very popular, borrowing details from men's dress, such as wide lapels and exterior pockets. The practical style suited the more emancipated lifestyles women were then leading. This style of jacket was also worn for new, more active pastimes, such as bicycling. For a similar example, see Kerry Taylor Auctions ex-lot 507, sold for £19,000 hammer, 21st February 2023.

Bust: ~ 85 cm
Waist: ~ 66 cm
Length: ~ 70 cm