Size 8-18 “Italian” Style Gown ca. 1780s

Fig Leaf

Made in the USA

In the 1780s a type of cut back became widespread that replaced the pleated backs popular through most of the century. This pattern includes instructions for current styling with it’s faux petticoat both of which are from an extant ensemble currently at the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum in Washington DC. A gown like this may have been like the one included in The American Journal of Rhode Island of 1781. This ad includes “the House of the Subscriber . . .  was broken open, and the following Articles were stolen, viz. One Chintz Gown” as cited in Wives, Slaves, and Servant Girls.