Antique Edwardian Tea Dress, America, ca. 1906

This exquisite Edwardian tea dress, dating to around 1906, is a delicate example of early 20th-century women's fashion designed for informal elegance and afternoon social rituals. Made from handkerchief linen, the dress features machine-made bobbin lace, bobbles, and pintucks that create a soft, textured surface typical of lingerie dresses of the period. A charming crochet button trim adds a handcrafted touch, while the skirt inserts alternate with Schiffli embroidered flowers, showcasing the era’s fascination with intricate needlework and light, breathable fabrics.

The dress measures approximately 35 inches (89 cm) at the bust, 24 inches (61 cm) at the waist, and 54 inches (137 cm) in length, offering a graceful silhouette ideal for Edwardian afternoon wear. Though the original slip is not included, the garment remains in excellent condition, with only light discoloration, a few small pulls, and minor broken brides in the lace. These signs of age are minimal and do not detract from the overall beauty and integrity of the piece.

Tea dresses like this one were worn during private hours at home, often between four and five in the afternoon, when upper-class women entertained close friends over tea. Introduced in the 1870s, tea gowns became essential to the lifestyle of the Edwardian elite, blending comfort with refined style. Unlike formal evening gowns, tea dresses allowed for more relaxed movement while still adhering to the standards of Edwardian elegance.