Day Cap

PeriodCirca 1820 - 1830

Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.

MediumCotton batiste

Dimensions10 in. (25.4 cm)

InscribedThis cap includes a label reading "5065," ink on textile woven cotton tape, which does not correspond with any known accession number.

ClassificationsCostume, Women's

Credit LineMuseum Collection

Object number2022.502

DescriptionA woman's day cap, of finely woven white cotton batiste, constructed with a puffed circular crown, joined to fitted band and edged with ruffle along seam. Cap band is trimmed with double ruffles, and a single ruffle along the neck seam. A band of broderie anglaise or whitework in a stylized floral/foliate pattern is sewn along the fitted band by the double ruffle edging. The cap includes two short batiste chin ties.
Curatorial RemarksDay caps were ubiquitous fashion accessories through the 18th and most of the 19th centuries. Daycaps were worn by most married and older women, and were both a way to show off one's needlework skills as well as a practical way of covering one's hair to maintain a neat and tidy appearance. Portraits and engravings indicate that while daycaps did change with fashion, many were limited only by the imagination and desire of their makers. This particular cap was quite possibly made by its unknown wearer. The full, puffed back portion of the crown as well as the ruffled trimmings, indicate that this day cap was made and worn during the early to mid 1820s.

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