Material: Silk, Satin, Lace
Size: Waist, elastic 25 - 40 inches, Hips, generous ~ up to 54 inches
Leg
Opening ~ 23 inches, Overall Length ~ 22 inches,
Quantity: 1
These bloomers or pantaloons are particularly nice, they have never been worn and
were likely originally included in a fine trousseau. Made entirely by hand, of the
finest silk, trimmed in lovely handmade lace with satin ribbon accent, c. apx 1917
- 1920's.
The silk, possibly crepe de chine, is a beautiful peachy blush color, with wonderful
sheen. It has a very soft satiny appearance, with lovely texture and drape.
Several different types of lace were incorporated. I believe the narrowest example
is silk. Next to it is a ½ inch band of Valenciennes lace, likely made of silk and
linen in France or Belgium. The widest lace, measuring apx 3 inches, is a very fine
linen or cotton filet lace. Filet lace has been made since medieval times using
an ancient technique wherein a pattern is embroidered on a net ground. This type
of lace is often referred to as nun’s work, due to the large quantities of outstanding
examples generated by religious houses in France, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
The decorative ribbon is silk satin.
As mentioned above these bloomers or drawers
appear to be completely hand stitched.
I believe that they slightly pre-date the typical tap pants, however the legs themselves
are not extremely long, certainly not the length of normal "bloomers", so they likely
date to a transitional period between the two distinctively different styles. They
do feature an elastic waistband, which I believe first began appearing around this
time period. Amazingly the elastic still retains quite good stretch!
This lovely under garment has never been worn and remains in exceptionally nice vintage
estate condition, free of stains, mars, snags, stress, deterioration or other problems.
Although I rarely use the term "mint" in relation to any vintage clothing, I was
tempted to do so with this beautiful garment. The ribbons are the only part that
show any kind of age, simply from being flattened for so many years. It is possible
they can be refreshed with steaming, or the perfectionist could always replace with
similar period passementerie trim..
Modern silk articles of this nature are commonly
worn today as lingerie, as well as sleep or lounge wear.
This item was purchased locally many years ago from\m a lifetime collector, who had
only the finest, high quality items in her extensive collection. I purchased her
entire collection, intact and these items are being offered here on our web site,
for the very first time in any online venue.
