Jane's Riding Habit (1800-1815)

Be your own Jane Bennet in a perfectly tailored, high-quality, historically accurate Regency era riding habit. Whether you are an attendee at an event, a historical reenactor, an actress in theatre, or an avid admirer of Jane Austen's works, this riding habit will make you feel like Jane Bennet off to visit the Bingley's "on horseback"!

Riding habits were worn not only for horseback riding, but also often used as traveling suits as well.  Made of wool, with long, full skirts, these ensembles would keep a lady warm during long carriage rides.  Riding habits are frequently seen in period artwork and fashion plates and this design is based off an original found in Patterns of Fashion.  

When you purchase a made-to-order item, you get the ensemble of your dreams by choosing the fabric from the drop-down options, providing measurements for a custom fit, and even purchasing extra available add-ons! (Search the website for “add-ons” to see what’s available.)  Please note that trims such as lace, braid, etc. will vary slightly depending on stock available. Contact us through the “Custom Orders” page if you would like to discuss additional fabric and customization options that are not available on this listing.

As a custom piece, this item is professionally handmade at my Texas (USA) studio and order fulfillment takes 10-12 weeks. Please see the website header for a current estimate on the month your order will be shipped to you. Shipping within the U.S. is FREE for all orders over $50.

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ALL THE DETAILS

This ensemble is made-to-order: choose the size that you currently wear in contemporary sizing and choose the fabric from the fabric choices. Within 48 hours of receiving your order, I will send you a measurement worksheet (via email) listing the measurements required for a perfect fit. 

This riding habit is made of two pieces, a petticoat and a spencer jacket.  It is highly recommended that you wear either a chemisette or a shirtwaist underneath the habit, which can be purchased separately.  These pieces can also be worn separately (i.e. the bodiced petticoat with the shirtwaist or the spencer over another Regency dress), so they allow more flexibility in your Regency wardrobe!

The petticoat includes:

• 100% wool fabric
• the choice of a bodiced petticoat or non-bodiced petticoat
• a back closure of an underbust drawstring
• a fitted front skirt
• a back skirt that is fully gathered
• a minimum width of 150", to allow for riding side-saddle
• an extra long skirt, for full coverage when riding horseback; the front will be 6-10" longer and the back 18-36" longer
  
• ties inside the skirt to allow for bustling up the hem to allow for walking

PLEASE NOTE: The width of the skirt does not allow for full coverage while riding astride.  If you would like a wider skirt to allow for full coverage while riding astride, please contact us and we will be happy to accommodate your request!

The spencer includes:

• 100% wool fabric
• "shirt" collar
• an asymmetrical button closure on the right side of the bodice
  
• long fitted sleeves with a rolled up cuffs
  
• a fitted bodice with darts in front
  
• a back bodice with the "diamond" shape that defined the Regency era
• a back peplum
  

Current fabric choices are shown with inspiration photos to help you visualize the riding habit in that fabric.  These inspiration photos are either photos of extant riding habits or period fashion plates.  They serve ONLY as inspiration and do NOT depict exactly how your riding habit will be made. Once you order, I will contact you to discuss measurements and confirm exact details.

Feel free to contact us through the "Custom Orders" page if you wish to provide your own fabric or you have a different color in mind than the ones shown.  

To achieve the correct historical silhouette, this ensemble is pictured over a shirtwaist, shift, stays, and under petticoat, but none of these items are included with this listing. These garments are made to fit over stays and will not fit correctly over modern undergarments. However, if you would like your commissioned ensemble to fit over modern undergarments, please send a message, and I will be happy to oblige!

Measure your bust and waist and choose your size based on the pictured sizing guidelines. For the most accurate fit, please take the measurements while wearing your stays and other undergarments (i.e. shift, petticoat, etc). The petticoat will be bustled to sit about about 2" off the floor for walking; this will be based on the measurements you fill out on your measurement worksheet.

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HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF

Please refer to the measurement graphic in the listing and the video tutorial if you need assistance in understanding and taking your measurements. If you still have additional questions, please feel free to message me.

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CARE INSTRUCTIONS

A care card will be included with your order, but if you choose a silk or wool fabric, it will be dry clean only.  Most dresses made with cotton, linen, or polyester fabrics can be washed.

All fabrics are preshrunk, usually by prewashing.  Seller is not responsible for any allergic reactions to the detergent used in prewashing.

Items with buttons will arrive with an extra button sewn inside.