Antique-Gown

Bathing in the sea in the 1870s cannot be compared with today. The ladies went into the shallow water on so-called “bathing machines”, which were pulled by horses. Here they would sit down, walk around with their dresses gathered up and occasionally lie down in the shallow water. Hardly anyone could swim, so bathing was more like a social event where you were allowed to get wet. Etiquette and fashion trends had to be maintained at this time. Very few bathing costumes from this period have survived. This antique bathing dress that we are presenting here comes from a private collection in England.

Due to the length of the skirt and the dimensions of the top, it could have been intended for a teenager. They were allowed to show a little more skin. It is made of (blue and striped) cotton, the typical material for bathing dresses of the time. The antique bathing dress is a three-piece consisting of a bodice, skirt and overskirt.

The bodice has a small stand-up collar and a striped breast insert with decorative buttons on one side; the other side closes with the buttons. Long sleeves that end with light-colored cotton ruffles. Some of the buttons are original, some have been replaced. A small repaired area in the chest area. The skirt and overskirt are made from a striped cotton fabric. There are buttonholes in the waistband of the skirt to join the top and skirt. The buttons on the inside of the top are missing.

The bathing dress is in good condition. It has a few wear-related stains, subtle signs of age and wear, a few minor flaws and repaired areas. All in all, however: a unique and very, very rare testimony to a bygone bathing culture.

Length: ~ 94 cm
Waist: ~ 53 cm
Chest: ~ 72 cm

Price: 1.250 Euro