#2190 $1,950
Sidesaddle English riding habit, c.1905
My apologies to equestrian viewers for less than perfect draping of the skirt. Sidesaddle skirts—so graceful with the folds neatly arranged when the rider is on horseback—have a somewhat awkward appearance on the ground. In any case, my draping shows the open back construction that allows room to wear jodhpurs underneath.
In the early 1900s, riding habits changed from the short jackets and full skirts of the Victorian era to longer jackets and more tailored skirts. This riding habit has a diagonal button closing and a velvet collar. The closure also contains hidden hooks that take the weight off the buttons.
The figure flattering jacket is shaped with full length darts in front and princess line seams in back. The flared skirt of the jacket has a deep vent in back. The habit is fashioned from tightly woven charcoal wool twill. The jacket is partially lined with gray silk.
The sidesaddle riding habit was a paradoxical fashion statement with feminine as well as masculine elements, alluring but practical. The fair equestrian disdained the frills and lace of her pedestrian sisters in favor of a simple, almost masculine simplicity. As expressed in Riding for Ladies (1895):
At no times are the beauties of the female form divine displayed with such witching grace, the faultless flowing lines so attractively posed, the tout ensemble so thoroughly patrician.
The label reads "Busvine/4 Brook Street W./By Special Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen."
The condition is almost excellent. The outside is perfect with no moth holes or stains. The lining is darker and has minor splits across the upper back.
The jacket measures: 36" bust, 27" waist, 52" hip, 15 1/2" from shoulder
seam to shoulder seam, 23" sleeve length, and 35" from shoulder to hem.
The skirt can be draped to fit a variety of sizes. It is 11" long at the center-back.
