Antique Linen Combing Jacket, Hairdressing Towel or Smock c 1910

Hairdressing was a most elaborate task during the Edwardian and Post Edwardian periods, as any devotee to Downton Abbey knows. Typically, this was facilitated by a lady’s maid or for the very rich, a professional coiffeur. 

Whether it was dazzling head of tightly wound ringlets in 1910, or a glistening powdered “pyramid” of coifed hair in 1912…a sophisticated woman required the constant adjustments and corrections of her hair between changes of clothing. In the Edwardian period, all woman of any means changed their dresses multiple times for every conceivable reason…and this lovely, embroidered combing jacket was a requirement at any woman’s vanity table. 

This garment was used to cover elegant lace day dresses and gowns during hair touch ups and styling. The piece measures a full 36 inches or nearly 92 cm in length and is wide to cover the chest, as well as the back, down to the waist. 

It was made from a linen towel and embroidered with pink, blue and pale green plied silk floss. The decorative edges of the garment towel are finished simple drawn work and tatted lace. 

Combing jackets were used through many decades, so it is important to date these interesting pieces of women's fashion history through identification of the actual textile and embellishments.