Jo's Zouave Ensemble (1860-1867)

Be your own Jo March in a perfectly tailored, high-quality, historically accurate Zouave ensemble. Whether you are an attendee at an event, a historical reenactor, an actress in theatre, or an avid admirer of the books by Louisa May Alcott, this ensemble will make you feel ready to cut off all your hair so Marmee can go nurse Father!

This three-piece ensemble was inspired by a men's military uniform and was popular with patriotic young women during the Civil War. The ensemble is composed of a Garibaldi Waist, Spanish Jacket, and long, full skirt.  You can just purchase just one piece or all three.  The design is based on extant examples and fashion plates.

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 combination from the fabric choices. Within 48 hours of receiving your order, I will send you a measurement worksheet listing the measurements required for a perfect fit.

The Victorian-era skirt includes:

• a waistband and hidden placket that closes with hook and bar sets in the back
• a knife pleated skirt
• two roomy pockets hidden in the side seam
• 1" tuck at the hem
• a hem faced with coordinating cotton fabric
• a skirt width between 150" and 180" to generously accommodate a hoop skirt

The Garibaldi Waist (blouse) includes:

• a 100% cotton lawn fabric in white
• a button-down front
• a high round neckline finished with a neck band a hook/eye closure
• dropped shoulders
• a fully gathered sleeve at both the armhole and the cuff
• button up cuffs
• blouse body gathered to a waistband that closes with a hook/eye and tucks inside the skirt waistband

The Spanish Jacket includes:

• a button or frog closure at the neckline
• dropped shoulders
• shorter pagoda (bell-shaped) sleeves to allow the blouse sleeves to be seen
• a full lining of a coordinating 100% cotton fabric
• a decorative trim around the edges of the jacket and sleeves

The price shown is for the basic ensemble (as described above) and does NOT include: lace at the blouse neckline; pintucks on the blouse front; soutache design on the jacket; or trim on the skirt. If you desire any of these added to your dress, please contact us for a quote.

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

If you would like to order just the skirt, click here!

To achieve the correct historical silhouette, this ensemble is pictured over a corset, crinoline, and petticoats, but no corset, crinoline, or petticoats are included with this listing. These garments are made to fit over a historical corset and will not fit correctly over modern undergarments. However, if you would like your commissioned  ensemble to fit over modern undergarments, please send an email, 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 corset. The skirt will be hemmed to accommodate hoops and sit about 2" off the floor, based on the measurements you send after you order.

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HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF

Please measure yourself while wearing the corset and other undergarments you plan to wear with the outfit.  Remember that measurements such as your bust and waist should be 1-1.5" inches smaller than the dress measurements, to allow for ease of movement. Refer to the measurement graphic in the listing and this video tutorial if you need assistance in understanding and taking your measurements. If you still have additional questions, please feel free to email 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.

 All items with buttons come with an extra button sewn inside.