1910–1919
1910s Lace Walking Suit
Identifying Authentic 1910s Lace Walking Suit
Authentic 1910s lace walking suit pieces (1910–1919) are among the most sought-after items in antique fashion. Open decorative fabric made by looping, twisting, or braiding thread. Hand-made needle or bobbin lace is extremely valuable; machine-made lace (post-1830s) is more common and affordable.
When examining a potential 1910s lace piece, the most important diagnostic features are construction method, closure type, and fabric authenticity.Tailored jacket and skirt ensemble designed for outdoor activities. A staple of Victorian and Edwardian women's wardrobes, representing the earliest form of women's tailored separates.
Walking Suit Authentication Checklist
Check boning in jacket — bodice-style boning indicates Victorian
Skirt length: Victorian sweeps floor; Edwardian begins to clear it
Examine collar and lapel style for era indicators
Look for hand-finished buttonholes — machine buttonholes post-1890s
Identifying Authentic Lace
Hand-made: irregular pattern under magnification; slightly uneven thread tension
Machine-made: perfectly regular pattern; uniform thread thickness throughout
Identify type: needlepoint (single thread, needle-made), bobbin (plaited threads), Battenberg (tape lace)
Identify origin: Brussels, Honiton, Bruges, Venetian, Alençon each have distinctive patterns
Care & Preservation
Never machine wash. Hand wash very gently in cool water with pH-neutral soap. Lay flat on a towel to dry. Store rolled, never folded, on acid-free tubes.
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