Rare Antique Victorian Polonaise Dress, 1870s–1880s Indigo Printed Cotton Two-Piece Ensemble, XXS

Rare antique Victorian polonaise-style dress ensemble dating to the 1870s–1880s, crafted in indigo blue printed cotton with a small repeating geometric motif. This complete two-piece set consists of a fitted polonaise bodice jacket and coordinating underskirt, representing the Victorian revival of the 18th-century polonaise silhouette during the Bustle Era.

The tailored bodice is sculpted through the torso with period seam-work and softly puffed shoulders. It fastens down the front with an impressive run of original white glass buttons and features a long curved split front skirt that sweeps further down and around the backside with two gathered sections at each side of back skirt creating a striking visual! The bodice portion is lined in cotton and fine muslin lines the sleeves.

The matching under skirt is ankle to floor length, tightly gathered below the waistband with a hidden right side pocket. The back hem is slightly longer than the front. Modern cotton bias tape with two modern cook/eyes has been added to the waistband to stabilize and preserve the functionality. 

The indigo printed cotton sateen textile is especially compelling, offering a wonderful example of practical Victorian fabric elevated through skilled tailoring. Such printed cotton ensembles were worn for daytime and informal social settings, balancing function, fashion, and durability.

Best Fit: XXS

Skirt Measurements
Waist: 24–25"
Hip: Free
Length: 37"–38 1/4"

Polonaise Bodice Jacket Measurements
Underarm Bust: 29"
Waist: 22"
Length: Approx. 46 1/2"–55 3/4" (varies due to polonaise draping)
Shoulder Width: 12" (across top of shoulders)
Sleeve Length: 22"

Condition: Near Excellent / Presents Beautifully

Skirt: One period darn is present, along with two minor holes. Modern bias tape and hook-and-eye closures have been added for stabilization and wearability.

Bodice Jacket: Minor fabric loss at the underarm, which has been stitched down for stability. Light fabric wear is present, most notably along the back sleeve seams and at the front bodice, consistent with age and use.

All notable condition details are shown in the final photo collage. Despite its age, this ensemble presents exceptionally well and remains a striking and intact example of late Victorian dress.

Enjoy! #24-48 

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS WELCOME!
 We love international customers! All international buyers will need to pay their countries CUSTOMS FEES/DUTIES as these are out of my control.

EU and NI customers: starting December 13, 2024, General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will go into effect for all shipments. What this means for you? Unless the item is antique (100 years of age and/or older), I will not be able to fulfill your order as I DO NOT have a physical location/address in the EU.

In order to combat the high costs of International shipping, we now ship via First Class Mail International on all purchases $250 and under that are less than 4 pounds. If you prefer Priority Mail International please contact me prior to purchase.