victorian women's dress Antique Victorian Governess Dress, England, ca. 1850 – ANTIQUE GOWN
SKU: 83108861532
victorian women's dress

victorian women's dress Antique Victorian Governess Dress, England, ca. 1850 – ANTIQUE GOWN

Sale price$22.41 Regular price$24.90
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Description

victorian women's dress Antique Victorian Governess Dress, England, ca. 1850 – ANTIQUE GOWNThis rare antique governess dress, dating to around 1850, offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural world of 19thcentury womens workwear. Originally, the education of young children or older daughters was entrusted to governesses in aristocratic households. From the second half of the 18th century onward, the profession also became common among the British middle class. For educated women without financial support from a father,

This rare antique governess dress, dating to around 1850, offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural world of 19th‑century women’s workwear. Originally, the education of young children or older daughters was entrusted to governesses in aristocratic households. From the second half of the 18th century onward, the profession also became common among the British middle class. For educated women without financial support from a father, husband, or brother, working as a governess was one of the few socially acceptable ways to earn a living for more than two centuries. By the mid‑19th century, many women in Great Britain depended on this occupation for their livelihood. This dress belongs to that historical context.

The antique dress is made from brown, finely striped silk fabric, giving it a refined yet modest appearance suitable for a governess’s role. A lace insert decorates the bust area, adding a subtle feminine touch. The three‑quarter‑length tiered sleeves, finished with cream‑coloured silk fringing, reflect the fashion of the period while maintaining practicality. The pleated skirt, trimmed with a brown velvet ribbon, enhances the structured silhouette typical of the 1850s.

The back of the one‑piece dress fastens with hooks and eyelets, a common closure method of the era. The dress is in good to very good condition, with three small signs of wear on the bodice, several minor signs of wear on the skirt, and one repaired buttonhole. The lace insert was likely added at a later date. The dressmaker’s dummy used for photography is slightly too large for the garment. Jewellery shown in images is not included.

A historically significant and beautifully preserved example of Victorian women’s clothing, this dress offers rare insight into the life and appearance of a 19th‑century governess. It is an exceptional piece for collectors of antique fashion, social history, and museum‑quality garments.

Waist: ~ 70 cm
Chest: ~ 90 cm
Length: ~ 135 cm

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SKU: 83108861532

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Renee M.
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 3
shirt is thin, sizing is useless
The shirt is thin but okay. The sizing is useless. I purchased a large and a medium. Each is marked with the size (L and M), but the two shirts are exactly the same size. Laid flat together or held up by the shoulders together, these two shirts are EXACTLY the same.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2025
J
Joe Garnace
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Fun Christmas Sweatshirt
Color: 02 Green, Size: Large
I really like this sweatshirt. It was listed as men's so I ordered the large. The sleeves are pretty long, which I really like. Otherwise it fits slightly baggy, but I typically wear a women's large so I ordered the large hoping for a little bit oversized. The material is typical for what a normal sweatshirt is, but is a little more lightweight, which I like. It being a touch thinner allows for easier layering and not peeling it off halfway through the day. The graphic is nice, the colors are bold and crisp. I love Christmas and love having tons of different themed clothing to wear, so I'm super excited to add this to my stash.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2025
L
Lloyd S.
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Great
This Holiday sweatshirt is great, It's made great with soft materials. It fits perfectly not tight and not bulky. It's warm and can be worn over a t-shirt or a long sleeve shirt when it's cold outside. It doesn't twist or ride up. The design is well made and looks great. The colors are bright and look nice. It's great for the holidays but after they're over I'm going to keep wearing this because I like it. It's a great price because with proper care this sweatshirt will last for a long long time.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2025
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Verified Purchase
Palmer
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
As advertised
Size: X-Large, Color: Black
Good fit, great value, looks good
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Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2026
B
Bingo
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 4
Almost there... just a sizing issue that keeps it from being better!
Size: Large, Color: Blue
The shirt looks nice overall and the quality and color are great. The embroidery is also very well done and gives it a clean, finished look that stands out. That said, it runs about one size small. I ordered a large (which is my usual size), and while it does fit, it’s noticeably on the tight side and I’m a bit concerned it may shrink after washing. The length is also on the short side—while it just barely fits, it cannot be tucked in at all, which limits how I can wear it. The material has a slightly silky feel that I find a bit uncomfortable. I would personally prefer a higher cotton content for better softness and breathability, but that’s more of a preference than a dealbreaker. Overall, it’s a good-looking shirt with great embroidery and solid quality, but the fit and fabric feel may not work for everyone—especially if you’re expecting true-to-size fit and a more traditional cotton feel. It's well made and nice looking... I'd give 5 stars if the sizing was better.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2026

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