Riding Suit (Amazone)

c. 1810-France

Material: 

Black wool broadcloth; set of tailored jacket and skirt of appropriate length for horse riding.

This riding suit was known as an "Amazone." A tight tailored jacket is matched with a long skirt. Prior to the beginning of 20th century, instead of riding astride a horse, it was socially expected that women should ride sidesaddle, in a skirt. Riding suits for women incorporated some elements of men's clothes, but it was unacceptable for women to wear pants. Amazones were female cavaliers of Greek myth.

Inventory Number(s): AC5313 86-8-2AB