c. 1875

Woman's Dolman Wrap

The mass production of shawls of indifferent quality in both India and Europe beginning in the 1860s, and the changes in women's fashions from the crinoline to the bustle in 1869 contributed to the decline of the shawl as a fashionable accessory. During the 1870s many shawls were cut apart and refashioned into outerwear such as the dolman seen here, which fit more easily over the curve of the bustle. Shawls continued to be included as part of a bride's trousseau, even when they were out of fashion, and were often passed on to future generations. Later in the century shawls served as wall hangings and piano covers.