Edwardian Sailor Suit

Hello sweet friends. Happy Historical Fashion Friday. Today I will be sharing my latest creation: an Edwardian Sailor Suit.

Edwardian Sailor Suit

As you may recall I have been hosting the #GreenGablesSewAlong on my fashion Instagram channel.

One of the fashion genres you see in the 1985 mini series are sailor suit inspired fashions. 

This led me down a rabbit hole in researching this fashion. 

During the end of the 19th century it became socially acceptable for women to participate in sporting activities such as golf, archery, tennis, sailing and bicycling. 

Sailor inspired attire was worn for all such activities. 

It was a popular style for children, teens and women.

There were casual sailor suits.

As well as more fancy sailor suits. 

There were also nods to the fashion with large collars and soutache trim. 

Women also began wearing shorter skirts that hit at the ankle and even mid calf. 

During the teens the sailor suit fashions took on a more military feel inspired by the naval uniforms worn in World War I. 

But there was still a softer approach as well. 

 

Fashion plates show sailor style dresses.

As well as middy blouses and shirtwaists worn with skirts. 

The Inspiration

Mr. Decor is a member of the volunteer Coast Guard. Down in Galveston there is a tall ship (a traditionally-rigged sailing vessel) named the Elissa that often hosts sailing related events. I thought it would be fun to create an ensemble to wear to such an occasion. 

The shirtwaist I had in mind would feature a softer nod to the naval influence. 

I wanted to pair it with a shorter skirt that was reminiscent of sailor trousers. 

The Patterns

For the blouse I used Angela Claytons shirtwaist pattern McCalls M8078, view A. 

The shirtwaist is very short in the torso so I lengthen it by 2 inches. Even so, it did not stay tucked in when I wore it so I will need to add some hook and eyes to the hem area of the blouse and the interior waist of the skirt before I wear it again. 

I also softened the sharp points of the collar to make it more rounded. 

For the skirt I adapted a free side button cycling skirt from Bikes and Bloomers. 

The mint green fabric used for the blouse was leftover from this Regency dress.

Three yards of raw silk in a similar color shade, found at a yard sale for $3.00, worked perfectly for the skirt. 

The Reveal

The outfit was recently worn to an outdoor garden party. It was boiling hot so I had no desire to wear my Gibson Girl/Edwardian era wig. Forgive my “modern hair”.

I would love to buy a straw Edwardian boater hat. But I’ll need to save a few pennies for that. 

I also recently made a ruffled Edwardian corset cover which you can see the antique version that I based mine on HERE. It helps with achieving the pigeon breasted silhouette of the era. 

The antique mother of pearl buttons on the blouse were a lovely gift from my friend Kelly. The larger skirt buttons were found at an estate sale.

A cotton petticoat was worn under the skirt. I actually remained quite cool while wearing this. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this early summer ensemble.

See you Sunday,

Laura