Antique-Gown

Muslin Tea Gown, ca. 1903

Very elegant tea dress made of white muslin fabric, ca. 1903. half-length sleeves, skirt that falls in bell shape, white lace applications on the sleeves and in the chest area. The applications in the bust area resemble a bolero. Original underdress made of glazed cotton fabric in the colour yellow. Very well preserved. A few tiny holes and repaired areas. The belt and jewellery are not included.
A tea gown or tea-gown is a woman's dress for informal entertaining at home. These dresses, which became popular around the mid-19th century, are characterized by unstructured lines and light fabrics. Tea gowns were intended to be worn without a corset or assistance from the maid; however, elegance always came first. During the 19th century, it was not appropriate for women to be seen in public wearing a tea gown. They were intended to be worn indoors with family and close friends during a dinner party. Although tea gowns were meant for midday wear, they could be worn into the evening. Women started wearing tea gowns in the evening for dinner or certain events at home with close friends and family by 1900. Tea gowns intended for day wear usually had high necks, while evening tea gowns had lower necks.

Bust: ~ 92 cm
Waist: ~ 68 cm
Length: ~ 147 cm