1850 dresses Antique Victorian Governess Dress, England, ca. 1850 – ANTIQUE GOWN
SKU: 68935673145
1850 dresses

1850 dresses Antique Victorian Governess Dress, England, ca. 1850 – ANTIQUE GOWN

Sale price$26.85 Regular price$29.83
Save 10%
Size: 4

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 9 - Jul 14

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

1850 dresses 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

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 68935673145

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell 1850 dresses

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.6 ★★★★★
Based on 1680 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
M
Verified Purchase
Mary Moore
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Fit great
Size: 8, Color: White
Fit as advertised. Wrinkles steam out easily.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2026
G
Verified Purchase
Gretell
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfecto
Size: 7, Color: Light Grey
Tiene muy buena calidad me encantó es como slim queda bello a mi niño le quedó un poco grande pediré otro size
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026
Z
Zombie Lincoln
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 4
good for summer but not true linen
Size: 12, Color: White, Size: 12, Color: White
Took off a star because they aren't linen! They are polyester with some linen and have a slight look of linen. They are thin and see through, so in that aspect its great for summer, but the lining inside the suit would get hot. It is a very nice neutral color that looks sleek. It is worth its price given it is a 3 piece. Needs ironing after arrival, and it is great for recitals and formal weddings and events. Comfortable, lined well, even the pockets are lined! Speaking of which, my son carries his phone and needs pockets at all times. Zipper and buttons work well. Sizing is accurate. There are loops for belt. The bow tie is brught white with 2 silver tiny polka dots! Bow tie is adjustable and easily clips on. Overall recommend it!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2026
A
Arty
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Great suit!
Size: 8, Color: Mint Green, Size: 8, Color: Mint Green
This suit is gorgeous. The color is gorgeous The fit is great. I like pretty much everything about it. I even like the clasp in the bow tie. Way better than the snaps or the hooks… And my son likes it! After telling me he felt embarrassed to wear a suit like two weeks ago, he was actually really liking this one and was trying to think of somewhere he could wear it! *please ignore the straight-out-of-the-package rumpling in the pictures* The fabric is nice. It’s really well made. It still fits a teeny smidge big on my son, but he’ll be in it in no time. It’s a great value. I recommend it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2026
B
B
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 3
THESE ARE NOT LINEN - 70%Polyester, 25% Linen, 5% Spandex
Size: 5, Color: Light Grey
Moms be ware this is NOT LINEN! This is 70% Polyester and 25% linen and 5% spandex, so the listing description and material details are misleading. If you're expecting the super soft, lightweight, breathable linen fabric we know and love , this is not it. This is reminicent of those old school curtains. The suit is cute however; but what boys suit isn't cute for that matter? I would say these run a little big. My son who is 5 normally fits a bit snug in a 5 but the length of a 6 is too long. I ordered a 5 and these are long on him, but the suit jacket fits perfectly. They do seem to be sewn well and constructed with quality in mind. I'm just disappointed by the misleading linen claim
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2026

recommand products