Step into the quiet poetry of the past with this beautifully preserved 19th-century French chemise, hand-stitched from sturdy, homespun hemp. Once a staple in rural households, garments like this were made to last a lifetime—and often did. Hemp was the farmer’s fabric: breathable, softening with every wash, and hardy enough to endure long days in the fields. Yet despite its practicality, this simple chemise carries an undeniable elegance, expressed in its delicate pleated front, hand-gathered sleeves, and gently curved collar.
In the rural France of the 1800s, clothing was not divided into “workwear” and “daywear” the way it often is now. A chemise like this one served both purposes: worn under layers during chores, then proudly shown beneath a jacket or bodice when stepping out. Each piece was part of a family’s story—washed in the village stream, dried in the sun, and mended by lamplight. There is something deeply tender in how these garments were cherished, repaired, and passed along.
Today, this chemise fits perfectly into a slow-living lifestyle—one that values natural fibers, thoughtful craftsmanship, and the quiet charm of handmade things. Its loose, easy silhouette makes it a lovely layering piece, whether worn as a tunic over jeans, as a lightweight summer dress, or even displayed in your home as a piece of textile history. The softness of time is already woven into every thread.
Owning this chemise is like welcoming a whisper of the French countryside into your life—simple, enduring, and beautifully human. It invites you to slow down, savor the handmade, and reconnect with the gentle rhythm of rural living.
Material: 100% hemp
Size(cm): W armpit to armpit 51.5 L102.5; Sleeve end to sleeve end 149*
*I measure all garments laid flat, so the actual fit may be slightly smaller once worn. For the best comparison, I recommend measuring a similar piece from your own wardrobe in the same way.
Condition: Exceptionally good condition for its age, with a graceful, time-softened character.
Step into the quiet poetry of the past with this beautifully preserved 19th-century French chemise, hand-stitched from sturdy, homespun hemp. Once a staple in rural households, garments like this were made to last a lifetime—and often did. Hemp was the farmer’s fabric: breathable, softening with every wash, and hardy enough to endure long days in the fields. Yet despite its practicality, this simple chemise carries an undeniable elegance, expressed in its delicate pleated front, hand-gathered sleeves, and gently curved collar.
In the rural France of the 1800s, clothing was not divided into “workwear” and “daywear” the way it often is now. A chemise like this one served both purposes: worn under layers during chores, then proudly shown beneath a jacket or bodice when stepping out. Each piece was part of a family’s story—washed in the village stream, dried in the sun, and mended by lamplight. There is something deeply tender in how these garments were cherished, repaired, and passed along.
Today, this chemise fits perfectly into a slow-living lifestyle—one that values natural fibers, thoughtful craftsmanship, and the quiet charm of handmade things. Its loose, easy silhouette makes it a lovely layering piece, whether worn as a tunic over jeans, as a lightweight summer dress, or even displayed in your home as a piece of textile history. The softness of time is already woven into every thread.
Owning this chemise is like welcoming a whisper of the French countryside into your life—simple, enduring, and beautifully human. It invites you to slow down, savor the handmade, and reconnect with the gentle rhythm of rural living.
Material: 100% hemp
Size(cm): W armpit to armpit 51.5 L102.5; Sleeve end to sleeve end 149*
*I measure all garments laid flat, so the actual fit may be slightly smaller once worn. For the best comparison, I recommend measuring a similar piece from your own wardrobe in the same way.
Condition: Exceptionally good condition for its age, with a graceful, time-softened character.
