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Stays
Stays
Stays

Stays

PeriodCirca 1750 - 1770
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumLinen, reed or wood
Dimensions11.5 in. (29.2 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineMuseum Collection
Object numberT1974.135
DescriptionA pair of woman's or young girl's stays, of two layers of dark tan linen, bound with yellow-beige linen fabric. The stays are cut straight across the front of the chest, scooping slightly under the arms, rising to the shoulder blades at back. The stays close at back with nine staggered eyelets on either edge. The stays' bottom edge has bound rounded tabs. The boning appears to be of thin wood or reed strips. The stays are comprised of eight pieces, with extensive wear noted. Several small linen patches have been sewn near the tabs to prevent boning strips from poking or irritating the garment's wearer. The boning strips in the front panel remain, while all others appear to have been removed.
Curatorial RemarksThis pair of stays was worn by a very small woman or a young girl. The stays greatly resemble a pair of stays in the collection of Colonial Williamsburg, identified as a pair of child's stays (1964-405).NotesAn extensive examination of this pair of stays by scholar and researcher Deborah Patterson indicate that this garment most likely was home manufactured, with relatively crude construction. The seams are simply butted together, appearing neatly finished on the outside, but with the inside seams left raw with large crude whip stitches basted over to hold the raw edges down. The trim may be a tabby weave linen, with natural linen thread.
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