the look

antique cotton pettipants in fine white lawn, cut full and gathered with an elasticated waist. the hem is where the work is: a deep scalloped border of appliqué lace, its arched motifs filled with botanical forms on a net ground, consistent with battenburg or tape lace technique. above it, small whitework embroidered buds are worked directly into the cotton. the combination of the two techniques — appliqué lace below, whitework above — is a classic pairing from the edwardian era of domestic lingerie production. no label of any kind. the elastic waist is likely a later replacement; the original closure would have been a drawstring or buttons. they wear naturally as shorts, as a layering piece under a sheer skirt, or as a boudoir bottom paired with a chemise.

details

• era: antique | pre-1920s
• designer: unbranded
• origin: usa
• design: closed-leg pettipants in fine white cotton lawn with an elasticated waistband (likely a replacement; original closure was probably a drawstring). full, gathered body. hem finished with a deep scalloped appliqué lace border featuring arched motifs with floral and botanical fills on a net ground, consistent with battenburg or tape lace technique. small whitework embroidered buds appear above the lace hem. no label, no fiber content tag, no care tag. materials: fine white cotton lawn.
• condition: very good: natural cream/ivory toning to the cotton fabric, consistent with age. lace hem appears bright and intact. no staining or damage.
• size & fit: untagged. elasticated waist measures approximately 13-14 in flat (stretches generously). best modern fit estimate approximately us 8-16 due to elastic stretch. length approximately 12-13 in.
• flat measurements: waist 13-14 in flat (elastic), length 12-13 in