Tabbed Caraco | Francis Open | 1775 - 1785

This style of caraco closes in the front with three narrow and evenly spaced overlapping tabs. These tabs are spaced out down the front of the bodice, pinning closed to the wearer's measurements, making the fit quite forgiving. A matching stomacher is included with the jacket, as the remaining space was historically filled with a stomacher or a handkerchief worn over the stays. The back features pleating seen on a number of period examples, including garments in the collections of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The fitted sleeves end at the elbow with small cuffs, adding a touch of elegance to this style, and are easily dressed up further with standalone sleeve flounces. To ensure the best fit, measurements must be taken while wearing stays, as this gown is designed to be worn with proper 18th-century undergarments.