shift & chemise

Summary

Fine white linen. Low round neck with narrow hem. Elbow length sleeves, with a gusset below, and gathered and finely pressed into pleats on an armband with worked very short buttonholes. Body of shift reaches below knees, flaring to the front with triangular gores. Marked below centre front neck edge : "4 / SH" in red cotton cross stitch. Linen width front hem: 35.5 inches Identical to two shifts at the V&A with the same inscription.