antique cotton eyelet bloomers, hand monogrammed

a delicate pair of antique white cotton bloomers, sewn with a floral eyelet cutwork hem and a hand embroidered monogram "ls" at center back. bloomers like these were a staple of a woman's undergarment wardrobe before 1920, worn beneath petticoats and skirts for warmth, modesty, and ease of movement. this pair carries a scalloped lace insert along one hem, a soft gathered waist, and wide, breezy leg openings. the hand worked monogram is a lovely, personal touch, a small reminder that pieces like this were often stitched and marked at home.

please note: the waistband elastic appears to be a later addition rather than original to the piece, a common and expected update on a well loved antique garment.

details

• era: antique | pre-1920s
• designer: unbranded
• origin: unknown
• design: lightweight white cotton bloomers with a gathered elastic waist casing, closed center seam, and wide gathered leg openings. floral eyelet cutwork embroidery at one hem, edged with a scalloped lace insert; the opposite leg has a plain hem. hand embroidered script monogram "ls" at center back. machine stitched construction with narrow finished seams. materials and percentages - content tag not visible (predates such labeling); fiber content believed 100% cotton based on weight, weave, and hand.
• condition: very good: clean with no holes or staining visible. light thread fraying at the lace trim edge on one leg. waistband elastic has been replaced or updated, likely at a later date, and stretches well.
• size & fit: no size marked, as expected for an antique piece with a gathered elastic waist. best modern fit estimate is roughly us 2-12 depending on desired ease, given the elastic gather.
• flat measurements: waist 17in flat relaxed (stretches to 21in), hip approximately 22in flat, rise approximately 14in, inseam approximately 5in, length approximately 20in