Shirtwaist, 1905-1910
Shirt
1890-1905
White/Cream
Linen
14 in. (neck), 19 in. (under sleeve), 26 in. (sleeve), 41.5 in. (bust), 43 in to 26 in. (waist)
2013.06
This shirtwaist features delicate white-on-white machine embroidery and cutwork on the upper front-center and back-center, adorned with floral motifs. The two-piece pleated sleeves have a fitted lower sleeve, which is also embellished with floral embroidery and cutwork, along with pintucks and scalloped finishing. The back is gathered into a waist tape. The shirtwaist is closed at the back with mother of pearl buttons. Five pleats shape the neckline at center front. All seams are hand stitched. According to trends in the The Delineator, two-piece sleeves with a fitted and decorated lower sleeve grew in popularity (example 1) around 1905. Stand collars begin to appear less frequently after 1910, so it is unlikely this garment was made after the turn of the decade.
-Coberly
