Antique hemp smock from the 1800s
French peasant womans undergarment made of rough heavy and coarse hemp.
It is made in the usual early shape A line with the underarm triangles and and triangular insert at both sides.
However the side inserts are slightly coarser and paler in colour, the sleeves and neckfrill are in a much finer linen which apparently denotes a higher social status!
The typical square neck is finished off with a loose simple frill 3.5 inches
There are two red initals I S which served to identify ones garment after the communal washday.
It is all handstitched fashion apart from two epaulette tabs which have been machine stitched to the shoulders.
The colour of the main part is a lovely organic natural stone while the sides are slightly creamier and the neck and sleeves are white.
Altogether a rare and interesting piece.
Measurements inches : Shoulders 16 Neck 32 Sleeves 18 Length front 32 Back 40 Chest 38
Product code: Antique Womans Peasant Hemp Smock Workwear fashion