Robe Anglaise

Robe à l’Anglaise, or English Nightgown: The most versatile gown of the 18th century!

Quick and easy to construct, the Robe à l’Anglaise a la polonaise can take you from encampment to ballroom, depending on your choice of fabrics and trimmings.

Similar gowns appear in collections of 18th century costumes all over the world, demonstrating the popularity of this style and its universal acceptance. Included in each package is a small sleeve flounce pattern, not shown in illustration, plus diagrams with instructions for making a petticoat to be worn over hoops or a false rump.

This gown may be constructed to suit a variety of needs. Either view may be made as either an open or closed robe, with a choice of two sleeves.

View A -- a la polonaise as an open robe with petticoat
View B -- en fourreau as round gown with an apron front

Both views of the Robe à l'Anglaise have a closely fitted bodice with an edge-to-edge center front closure. Side seams are placed well back on the body, giving the desired illusion of a wide full bosom with narrow back. The over-the-elbow length sleeves may be finished with purchased trims or ruching and an optional sleeve flounce. Both views have a fitted back. The bodice back of View A has a waist seam. Therefore, the bodice has a separate attached skirt. The bodice back of View B does not have a waist seam. Instead, there is a full length panel of approximately 5 ½ feet in length pleated to the bodice back. The remainder of the View B back panel attaches to the bodice to become the skirt of the gown.
This original design is based on 5 extant gowns dating from 1760 - 1785, in the collections of The Chester County Historical Society, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Municipal Museum of The Hague.

Each pattern includes fully illustrated instructions plus fitting and construction tips.

This gown is designed to be worn over stays, and will not fit the female form wearing modern undergarments.