Back in Time: An Antique Edwardian Blouse and Walking Skirt

Shall we go back another decade? We have made it to the “aughts”! This series started when in early 2024, my mom and I made “greatest haul of all” at an estate sale. I have previously shown you clothing from the 1920s and 1910s (additionally there were many “newer” items from the 30s-60s). The oldest clothing we found at this sale was from the decade of 1900-1910.

I found two blouses and two skirts. One skirt and one blouse fit so I wanted to show them to you!

I just love the way the folds of the skirt fall. It was slightly longer at the back to allow for a bustle and the appearance of a train.

The bodice is silk but is lined with the same color linen or cotton. This under layer closes in the front with a few hooks and eyes. I assume this design was to keep the beautiful silk on the outside as pristine as possible, though because the layers were sewn together, I think washing the garment would still be difficult. The silk part of the blouse does not have a closure. It seemed that one side of the front would have been crossed over the other and then secured with a broach or pin.

The pleating was amazing and there were embroidered French knots at the cuffs. The silk was in relatively good condition with evidence of just a few minor repairs.

I did not have the historically correct undergarments to really show off what the garment would have looked like when worn in the Edwardian era. The wearer would likely have worn an “S” corset, with a bustle in the back, and then have used ruffles and other padding in front for a pigeon-breasted look to get the most popular silhouette. I’ve also heard that the billowy part of the sleeves would sometimes be partially stuffed. From the proportions of the fitted forearms of the sleeves, I think the original wearer of this blouse was a few sizes larger than me (I had to pin the forearms for effect). However, the waist fits me exactly. This was probably only acheived by the original wearer through a corset.

My guess is the undergarments of the time weren’t comfortable, but the quality of the construction and lay of the fabric…wow!