Pantaloons, Late 19th century

Historical information

This item was donated by the daughter of Ena Heazlewood, a former Warrnambool resident. Mary Josephine (Ena) Todd was born in Warrnambool in 1920. She worked as a hairdresser at Josephine’s Salon in Warrnambool. In 1942 she married Jack Heazlewood, also of Warrnambool. He was serving on the H.M.A.S. Sydney at that time. Later they moved to Sydney. Pantaloons were worn particularly in the 19th century to cover the legs under voluminous dresses such as crinolines. This item may have belonged to earlier female members of either the Todd or the Heazlewood families.

Significance

This item is of interest as an example of vintage women’s clothing and as an item donated by the daughter of a former Warrnambool resident.

Physical description

These are white cotton pantaloons or panties, hand-stitched. The waist band has two slits with cotton ties either side. The legs have lace frill ends gathered with elastic insertions.

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