Tartan Housecoat

[figheadair]

As it doesn't seem to fit anywhere else I thought I'd share an example of early 19th century tartan use in something other than a kilt, jacket or trews etc., a fine gentleman's housecoat c1810-30.



Housecoats were a common feature of a gentlemen's wardrobe in the 18th and early 19th centuries which later developed into smoking jackets.

[Theyoungkiltman]

That is nice! I especially like the yellow text pattern on it

[Sir William]

Otherwise known as a banyan?

Are those pockets on the sides or slits for the arms?

Any information on where it was discovered?

[figheadair]

There're arm holes. This was amongst a load of stuff that the STA recently acquired. No idea of its origins I'm afraid.

[Nathan]

Thanks for this. Was it used for what a modern housecoat is used for; lounging in the house undressed? I see tartan housecoats (aka bath robes) in the more modern style made of wool tartan in vintage shops regularly. They are expensive and often moth bitten. What else can you tell us about that housecoat? Is it hard tartan or is it similar to the modern style? What tartan is it?

[figheadair]

Thanks for this. Was it used for what a modern housecoat is used for; lounging in the house undressed? I see tartan housecoats (aka bath robes) in the more modern style made of wool tartan in vintage shops regularly. They are expensive and often moth bitten. What else can you tell us about that housecoat? Is it hard tartan or is it similar to the modern style? What tartan is it?

As Sir William notes, these housecoats were known as a Banyan .

The Sinclair tartan is standard Wilsons' hard tartan material c1800-20. This particular item came from the old Scottish Tartans Society (STS) collection and must have been acquired by them between 1985-1995 but there are no details in their records of its origins. The remainder of the collection has recently been taken over by its successor organisation, the STA and contains some interesting gems

[Andrew Breecher]

The historical house coat (aka banyan, aka dressing gown) was for being comfortable in the house - you'd remove your coat and wear the banyan in its place - still with your waistcoat and trousers. Some especially fancy banyans had a false waistcoat built into the front so you could remove your waistcoat as well. Remember that a shirt was underwear, and you wouldn't go about half-dressed!

[jhockin]

Peter: if you have a photo of the back, could you please post it, as well? I'm curious about the strange look of the back of the neckline. There appears to be a 'stand alone' Vee shape, that makes no sense, to me.

[sydnie7]

Peter: if you have a photo of the back, could you please post it, as well? I'm curious about the strange look of the back of the neckline. There appears to be a 'stand alone' Vee shape, that makes no sense, to me.

Looks as if it is hanging on a wide hangar that has blended into the background, I think you are seeing the shape of the hangar not of the garment.

[figheadair]

Looks as if it is hanging on a wide hangar that has blended into the background, I think you are seeing the shape of the hangar not of the garment.

Correct. I simply Photoshoped out the conflicting background. Here's the reverse.