Lingerie Blouse (White Lawn Blouse with Lace Trim)

Clothing/Dress/Costume

-

The Recorded Image Project

Name/Title

Lingerie Blouse (White Lawn Blouse with Lace Trim)

Entry/Object ID

RE-CL-2026-0007

Description

This white lingerie blouse exemplifies the delicate, light-filled aesthetic of the high Edwardian period. Constructed in a fine semi-sheer cotton lawn or possibly lightweight linen, the garment features a softly bloused waist, rounded neckline, vertical pintuck decoration, and voluminous sleeves gathered into lace-trimmed cuffs. The neckline is finished with a wide band of lace insertion, forming a shallow scooped collar. The lace appears machine-made, likely cotton, with repeating geometric and floral motifs typical of commercial Edwardian lace. The sleeves are full and softly gathered, creating a romantic silhouette associated with 1905–1912 fashions.

Use

Blouse

Category

Edwardian

Clothing/Dress/Costume Details

Article of Clothing/Dress/Costume

Blouse

Clothing Sex

Female

Textile Details

Fabric

Cotton

Color

White

Notes

Fabric Fine cotton lawn or lightweight linen Soft drape Semi-sheer weave Suitable for summer or warm-weather wear The fabric was designed to be washable and breathable — part of the shift toward lighter daywear. Pintucks Vertical machine-stitched pintucks down center front Symmetrical shaping lines converging toward waist Provide subtle shaping and decorative interest Likely produced using a tuck foot attachment The pintucks are narrower and more numerous than on earlier shirtwaists — a hallmark of Edwardian refinement. Neckline Rounded neckline with applied lace insertion Lace likely machine-made cotton Decorative band creates a soft yoke effect Small center-front button closure beneath neckline The rounded neckline is a strong indicator of post-1904 dating. Sleeves Voluminous upper sleeve Gathered at shoulder Narrower forearm Lace-trimmed cuffs Horizontal tuck bands at mid-sleeve The sleeve fullness aligns with 1905–1910 fashion plates. Waist Treatment Slight flare at lower edge Bloused effect intended to sit over skirt waistband Likely worn over a corset and tucked into gored skirt This blouse would have been worn with: Separate skirt Possibly under a lightweight jacket With lace collar or brooch for embellishment

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1905 - circa 1912

Time Period

Edwardian

Place

Continent

North America

Notes

American or European

Condition

Overall Condition

Very Good

Date Examined

Feb 12, 2026

Notes

Slight age toning (ivory rather than bright white) Minor wrinkling from hanging No major visible tears Cuffs and lace appear intact Light wear consistent with age White cotton often survives better than silk, but staining and yellowing are common.

General Notes

Note Type

Historical Note

Note

The Edwardian lingerie blouse became enormously popular between 1900–1912. It reflected: Increased industrial lace production Expanding ready-to-wear market Rise of middle-class leisure fashion Lighter seasonal clothing for outdoor social activities These blouses were associated with: Garden parties Summer promenades Afternoon calls Seaside holidays They are emblematic of the romanticized “Gibson Girl” aesthetic.

Create Date

February 12, 2026