Collections Database

Description:
Man's white linen shirt made of bleached (white) plain weave linen and with mother-of-pearl buttons, which has a ruffled front placket. A man’s shirt was an integral part of his wardrobe, often serving as a primary undergarment and buffering the body against the coat, waistcoat and breeches worn on top. As this example demonstrates, shirts were cut extremely full. Gussets under the arms gave the only hint of shape. Seamstresses who constructed these garments used small, fine stitching for the added strength needed for repeated washing and wearing. The addition of a gathered neck frill, visible through the top of a waistcoat, added a touch of formality. The shirt was purchased in England.

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2001.26.1

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