Shirt

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This man's fine white linen shirt was made in England between around 1660 and 1670. It is reputed to have belonged to Charles I (1625-49) but it dates to the period of his son, Charles II (1660-85).

The shirt is trimmed with white linen bobbin lace which was probably made in Milan. The bone buttons are covered with white net.

After the interregnum years of 1649-60, Charles II returned to Britain with a new fashion - a very short, boxy doublet and wide-legged breeches, all covered in a profusion of ribbon bows. The fine linen shirt which went underneath the doublet, frothed out at the waist. It was trimmed with deep bands of lace at the neck and wrists. This rather theatrical look remained popular for several years.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-141-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1988.51
• Date: Between around 1660 and 1670
  c. 1660 - 1670
  
• Material: Fine white linen, trimmed with white linen bobbin-made lace
  ICOM Number: M 4.3
  Shirt, man's
  
• Dimensions: 1055 mm CB
  
• What: ICOM Number: M 4.3
  Shirt, man's
  
• Subject: European Costume : male costume : bodywear
  
• Who:
• Where: Great Britain, England
  
• Event:
• Description: Man's shirt of fine white linen, trimmed with white linen bobbin-made lace and with white net covered buttons, possibly of bone: English, about 1660 - 1670
  
• References:
  • Tarrant, Naomi. The Development of Costume. London & New York. NMS & Routledge, 1994, p 93. 
• Translations:
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