Waistcoat thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Waistcoat

1790-1795 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A woman’s riding outfit, known as a ‘riding habit’, frequently included a waistcoat styled after those worn by men, which accompanied a masculine-style coat and a petticoat (or skirt). This double-breasted example with high collar and revers (lapels) reflects the fashionable styles of men’s waistcoats in the early 1790s. The back lacing allowed a snug fit over stays and under a closely tailored coat.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Wool, linen, gilt-metal; hand-woven, hand-sewn
Brief description
Woman's riding waistcoat of scarlet broadcloth, 1790-1795, Britiish; gilt metal buttons
Physical description
Woman’s riding waistcoat of scarlet broadloth, lined and backed with linen. It has a 3-inch (7.5 cm) standing collar and reaches to the bottom of the ribs. The waistcoat has a double-breasted effect with 8 gilt-metal buttons engraved with an 'H' on the right front and on the left front, 8 worked buttonholes with 8 buttons to the left of these. The back has a lace-up adjustment.
Dimensions
  • Overall length: 44.5cm (approx)
  • Bust under armholes circumference: 90.0cm (approx)
Marks and inscriptions
'H' (Engraved on the buttons, possibly for Lady Hamilton)
Credit line
Given by G. J. Stewart
Summary
A woman’s riding outfit, known as a ‘riding habit’, frequently included a waistcoat styled after those worn by men, which accompanied a masculine-style coat and a petticoat (or skirt). This double-breasted example with high collar and revers (lapels) reflects the fashionable styles of men’s waistcoats in the early 1790s. The back lacing allowed a snug fit over stays and under a closely tailored coat.
Collection
Accession number
T.190-1961

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Record createdAugust 25, 2005
Record URL
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