Historic Clothing Collection

One of the earliest pieces in the MHS historic clothing collection, a grosgrain silk, and richly embroidered vest with chenille and gold metallic threads. The back is linen. Vests are one of the more commonly surviving items of mid 18th century male dress. Dated 1786.

A linen standing collar shirt, with short front closure with ruffle on each side. Dated 1780-1830.

Black lined double breasted broadcloth cutaway tuxedo jacket, with high standing collar, notched lapels, six buttons, straight waist, and tailed. Dated 1850-1860.

A black double breasted broadcloth frock coat, with waist seam, tailored collar and pointed lapels. Dated 1870-1890.

Three-piece wool formal wedding suit, including a jacket with satin lapels, a vest, and striped pants. Worn by Luther Hyde at his wedding in 1887 to Eliza Augusta Thomas Curtis. A label on the interior collar reads "Eager/ Starbird/ & Co./ Boston". Dated 1887.

A stiff full-bosom shirt associated with Maine poet Edward Arlington Robinson. A label stitched to the interior of the collar reads "Mooney Maxwell, Shirt Makers, 35 West 44th Street, New York." Dated 1900-1915.

Smoking jacket, made of yellow and red silk cigar label ribbons, trimmed with black velvet at the cuffs, neck, hemline, and front plackets. Dated circa 1900.

Rust red velveteen smoking jacket, with black lapels and cord sleeve trim. The jacket is associated with Maine poet Edward Arlington Robinson. Dated 1910-1930.

A three piece cutaway suit, with a green wool jacket and vest, and black striped pants. Dated circa 1925.

Navy blue herringbone wool three button suit, with short lapels, and a curved jacket front. Dated circa 1925.

Heavy wool brown-on-brown check double breasted overcoat with wide lapels, flap pockets, and cuffed sleeves. Dated 1930-1950.

World War II faded commemorative "flour sack" shirt, printed with numerous wartime words and images. Post 1945.

Tan ramie two-piece suit with cuffed pant, made in Hong Kong. Dated circa 1950.

Brown striped suit with wide pointed lapels and shoulder pads, sold by Gordon's of Portland. Dated 1945-1950.

Red/black large check wool Mackinaw Jacket, lined with "Sun Spun" fiberglass for warmth. Dated 1946-1960.

Wedding hire suit (rental tuxedo) of pale blue polyester, with navy and pale blue satin lapels, matching vest and vestee, trousers and white shirt. Label reads "After Six Medium." Dated 1970-1980.

Wedding hire suit of white slub polyester, with black edged lapels, black vest, white pants, and pink frilled shirt. Label reads "After Six Medium." Dated 1970-1980.