Blouse

Description

An oxford style blouse made from white cotton broadcloth, printed with repeated sets of thin, vertical black stripe. The collar is a stand collar with a button hole at the center back. The front button placket has three (functional) mother of pearl buttons. The button placket is reinforced with a strip of white cotton broadcloth fabric. The sleeves are long sleeved and each cuff has two (functional) mother of pearl buttons. At the back of the blouse, the yoke curves towards the center and tapers to a triangular point.This type of ensemble was commonly known during the period as a "Suffragette Suit." This style of suit, with the long skirt and long jacket made from suiting fabrics and worn with a relaxed blouse or shirtwaist and a cravat (or tie) with a feminine style was popular with active women during the Edwardian period. It is an example of the relaxed garments that were created in response to the late19th and early 20th century movement for dress reform. Women were moving into new roles outside of the home and this change created a need for clothing that would be practical and more comfortable than previous styles. This was worn with 2013.0048.025 A-E.There is a yellow circle stamped on the interior of the yoke. This is not legible, but appears to be a maker's mark that has faded.