Infant’s Cloak
1880-1890
Wool, Silk, Cotton
Maker Unknown
JJ.1984.134
In the 19th century, infant clothing was not predicated on gender. Infants were clothed in robes, tunics, and gowns. Baby clothes were often made of white cotton because it was easily bleached and washed. Ordinary baby clothes for wealthy families often had extravagant embroidery, which leads to them being mistaken often for “special occasion” attire. Cloaks like these were considered standard outerwear for newborns and infants. These types of garments would either made by a seamstress or by the mother of the child.
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