What is this and when is it from?

[plousia]

I'm guessing nightgown? I did wonder if it could be some kind of ethnic robe. It has this very strange pocket on the side just under the right sleeve. The sleeve gussets appear to be a later addition, of a different sort of fabric, "crisper" than the main fabric.

Any info on this appreciated, especially dating, what the heck that pocket is for, and what the embroidery is called?

 

[retro ruth]

I think you are right that’s it’s a traditional robe. Not sure exactly from where. It might be men’s wear.

 

[retro ruth]

one of these? Seems like there’s many variations.

Thawb - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[retro ruth]

And I think the pocket is just a useful pocket! For whatever one might need to carry

 

[plousia]

Hmm yes could be. I am just not sure as my robe looks a bit more feminine and has the embroidery and a different neckline.

 

[Shusteroo]

I really don't know, but my first thought was a nightgown. Although, as Ruth suggests, it could be a traditional robe. I agree, to my eye, it does look a bit more feminine - maybe it could be a traditional robe for a woman? The names seem to vary according to locations, but possibly an abaya?

 

[plousia]

Yes I'll have to do some more investigation into those. It's a puzzling garment for sure. What seems strange for both a traditional robe and a vintage nightgown is the neck opening? I wouldn't expect it to be so low and open, although maybe it's worn over something else.

 

[Ranch Queen Vintage]

Looks like an Indian kurta to me. A staple garment for both men and women. I'm guessing this is a women's garment based on how it buttons.

 

[retro ruth]

Hmm yes could be. I am just not sure as my robe looks a bit more feminine and has the embroidery and a different neckline.

There are women’s versions of these, and many different regional versions.

 

[retro ruth]

Looks like an Indian kurta to me. A staple garment for both men and women. I'm guessing this is a women's garment based on how it buttons.

Kurta’s are usually knee/calf length, worn over trousers. They al usually have side slits. This looks full length to me?

Good point about the buttons. It could certainly be a woman’s garment. I didn’t mean it was definitely male.

I wondered about Abaya too.

 

[Ranch Queen Vintage]

Kurta’s are usually knee/calf length, worn over trousers. They al usually have side slits. This looks full length to me?

Good point about the buttons. It could certainly be a woman’s garment. I didn’t mean it was definitely male.

I wondered about Abaya too.

Yes, right about the length and slits. Likely more of a caftan/kaftan.

 

[plousia]

It is full length and there are no side slits. I did think Indian as well but those factors seemed like a negative for that theory. The construction looks handmade/older: unfinished seams, no zigzag stitch or overlocking. I also thought maybe vintage nightgown because of the sleeve gussets, as I'd expect a vintage/antique nightgown to have narrow shoulders & sleeves even if the body is loose, and someone may have modified it later to be able to wear it?

 

[plousia]

Possible point in favour of women's garment: the little neckline buttons are on the wearer's left.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

I thought Indian at first and then wondered if it may be a Moroccan robe.

 

[plousia]

Some more details: the sewing thread from the original part of the garment burn tests as cotton, thread from the sleeve gusset modification burn tests as polyester (and I suspect the gusset material is a cotton/poly blend). The material of the back of the pocket is different from both the main and sleeve gusset fabric, and has a few stains, so it looks like someone added the pocket later and used some material that wasn't up to par for something that would be visible.