Suit

This splendid quilted doublet of the late 1630s has clearly been fashioned from another textile, probably a bed cover. Seams that do not follow the construction of the doublet and the varying directions of the quilted pattern are clues to this reuse. Nevertheless, great care was taken to incorporate the original design into the doublet in a symmetrical fashion and to show the quilting to best effect. A braid of knotted and tufted silk was added to the finished doublet and twelve large bows of silk ribbon adorn the waist.

The full knee-length breeches are typical of men’s dress of the 1630s. The doublet has a waist line slightly above the natural level, open front seams on the sleeves and bears large waist tabs, also characteristic of the period.