ERA: True vintage item from the 1910s

MEASUREMENTS: The piece is 39 inches long, 15-1/2 inches across the shoulders, fits 36 inch bust (40 inches around chest) 42 inches around hips

MATERIAL: silk taffeta

LABEL: none

Lightwear black silk taffeta piece that I believe is the top of a swimsuit. Bloomers would have been worn underneath of it. Square neckline with yellow and lavender geometric embroidery. The collar unsnaps and reveals hooks on the top of both shoulders. There is a tie at the waist that has been handstitched in place. Directly under it is more embroidery on the tops of the pockets - but that band has been handstitched over the top of one pocket and partially over the other pocket. Embroidery at the ends of the ties. On the back of the skirt are two wide pleats for movement and a squae sailor collar with more embroidery.

 

CONDITION: The piece is in very good condition. There is a split in the silk on the top of one sleeve shoulder. There are about 10 small scattered holes, under 1/8 inch. There is a 1/4 inch hole at underarm seam.

Like I mentioned above, the band is handstitched and covers the opening of the pockets. There are some tiny stitch holes on each side of the band where is had been previously sewn further around the sides.