Riding ensemble
c. 1862
Wool and chamois
Gift of Mrs. Margaret Riggs
Object number70.15.72
The jacket of this woman’s riding habit (left) is similar in style to that of a man’s Civil War uniform. During times of war, military dress often influences fashion. Although its coverage of the war was virtually non-existent, the fashion periodical Godey’s Lady’s Book did feature garments trimmed “à la militaire.”
At a time when bifurcated riding garments were frowned upon as improper, these trousers (right) would have been permissible largely because they were hidden from view. They allowed the wearer a wide range of motion without sacrificing modesty, as the fabric on the lower half of the trouser was designed to match the skirt of the riding habit.
DescriptionFour-piece riding ensemble: navy blue wool jacket; matching skirt; coordinating chamois undershirt; coordinating pants for under skirt in half chamois and half navy blue wool (visible bottom half)Collections
Exhibitions