Figure 1.--The use of smocking is most assocated natuarally enough with smocks. It is also employed on blouses, dresses, nightshirts, as well as a variety of other garments. This included both girls and boys garments. This looks to be a boys' night shirt. |
The use of smocking is most assocated natuarally enough with smocks. It is also employed on blouses, dresses, nightshirts, shortalls, as well as a variety of other garments. This included both girls and boys garments. Wechad thought that the garment might a boys' nightshirt, but thr material is probably a bit heavy for that. It appears to be a smock. We are not positive about this, but it is our initial assessment. This is a 19th century, although I'm unsure as to just when in the century. It is made in heavy linen, with a smocked panel both back and front and embroidered in traditional pattern as well as the collar and shoulders. It closes at the neck with 6 small linen covered buttons. Measurements: 18.5 inches (47 cms) from shoulder to hem and 30 ins (76 cms)
around the chest.
The smock or smock-frock or slop was a protective outer garment worn mainly by countrymen in England and Wales during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. There have been several revivals of interest in smocks and smocking, the first being in the 1870s when the technique of smocking was taken up by the world of fashion to decorate women's and childrens clothes. The smock was never used as a nightshirt. This little smock would date from around 1850 to 1870 and was probably used as a comfortable (yet smart) garment for a
young boy. Today it is also in demand as a garment used for a boy's christening.
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