Shirtwaist, 1905-1910

Shirt
circa 1905-1910
White/Cream
Cotton
2013.127

This is a shirtwaist with intricately hand-sewn iris passementerie decoration adorning the center-front panel, stand collar, and two-piece sleeves. The collar and sleeves are finished with delicate scalloped trim. The center-back closure features genuine seashell buttons and a waist tape for a secure fit. However, the garment is missing its lowest button, and a small section of fabric measuring 1 x 4.5 inches has been cut from the bottom hem. 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

Warp fibers at 40x

The sharp twists in the fiber identify it as cotton.

Weft fibers at 10x

The sharp twists in the fiber identify it as cotton.