This is an incredible 1890s wool and faux fur walking suit. The wool is nice heavier-weight wool in a heather light red-brown and is more than likely meant for the winter months to keep you warm. The suit consists of two pieces: a bodice and a skirt. The bodice fastens down the front with brass hooks and eyes. It has a high collar that is trimmed into lines of faux fur. The front bust is gathered down to a point from the neckline to the end of the bodice. The hem of the bodice is also trimmed in fur and there is a similar gather in the back. The bodice is long-sleeved and has the most incredible gigantic leg of mutton sleeves. The puff of the sleeves falls all the way down to the elbow and there is a fitted inner lined sleeve that helps keep it in shape. From the elbow down the sleeves, it is fitted and has two rows of fur on the fitted cuffs. The bodice is fully lined in brown glazed cotton and every seam and dart is boned for support and shaping.

The skirt is a simple A-line and is gathered down into the waistline, more densely in the back of the skirt. It has more volume in the back as it was meant to wear a bum pad with the dress to give it the appropriate silhouette of the era. There is a large pocket that is more toward the back than is common today. The skirt falls to just hit the floor and has two rows of fur on the hem. The skirt is fully lined in brown glazed cotton, and at the hem to help keep the shape there is a 3-4 inch band of stiffening. At the hem, there is wool tape to protect the hem edge of the skirt when walking.

Condition:
The dress is in great condition overall with only a few small holes. The large holes have been darned and do not show up until a closer inspection. There are a few small holes that have not been repaired. The set has so much history and is ready for a new home.

This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage seller in Pittsburgh, Pa.