1770's Dressing Gown | Francis Open

Made of printed cotton and lined in linen, this dressing gown balances visual interest with practical construction. The loose yet shaped fit is indicative of the popular style throughout the 1770's and 1780's. The lightweight outer fabric provides a pleasing pattern, while the linen lining adds structure and comfort against the body. It is accompanied by a matching cap, completing a coordinated ensemble often associated with domestic leisure. Dressing gowns were commonly worn by middle- and upper-class men within the home, serving as a casual garment for morning or evening wear. Whether reading, writing, or receiving close company, they allowed for ease of movement while still presenting a composed appearance. Though primarily intended for private settings, they were occasionally worn in public over small clothes in more informal environments. Comfortable, practical, and rooted in period use, this dressing gown offers a glimpse into the quieter, more personal side of 18th-century dress. Through our research, we have found the term dressing gown used most commonly in writings and dictionary definitions, though we modernly hear the term banyan applied to this style of garment.