Hi Candace,
Where was this riding habit worn?  In the West, some ranch women wore divided riding skirts that are like long culottes.  Some women who did not care about other's opinions also wore pants or even overalls when doing ranch or farm work.  What you're describing sounds more like a coordinated outfit.  She may have worn the trousers alone.
Mary Melcher, Curator
Arizona Historical Society 

>>> [log in to unmask] 02/24/04 01:23PM >>>
We received an 1880s woman's riding habit recently that has a waist and
trousers, but no over skirt.  The trousers are similar to those that would
have been worn under a skirt...so I am chagrined at the absence of the
skirt.  Would the trousers have been worn alone?  The lady in question
probably would have been riding on or around a farm.  The waist is typical
1880s.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Candace Perry
Schwenkfelder Luibrary & Heritage Center

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).