Costume and Textiles Woman's Stays Probably made in Englandor United States c. 1725-50 Artist/maker unknown, American or English Glazed wool twill, buckram, linen thread, baleen, leather, linen tape, two-ply linen cord wrapped in silk, checked linen plain weave lining Currently not on view 1903-136 Gift of Mrs. William D. Frishmuth, 1903 |
LabelWhile stays were a functional undergarment, they could also be decorative and were sometimes made to be seen. The rows of mock lacing on this example might have been visible in the V neckline of a flowing gown. Another interesting-albeit hidden-element is the lining made from two types of blue-checked linen. |
