Voluminous Baroque Shirt with Lace Jabot

Voluminous Baroque Shirt with Lace Jabot and Balloon Sleeves

Historical Context and Usage

During the Baroque and Rococo periods (roughly from the 17th to the late 18th century), the cut of shirts became much more ostentatious than before. Although the shirt primarily functioned as luxury underwear to protect expensive outer garments, its visible parts (such as the collar, jabot, and cuffs) were clear indicators of the wearer's social status. The typical jabot (a ruffled chest piece made of fabric or lace) was a necessity for every European cavalier. Today, this elegant style is highly popular across all genders. You can perfectly utilize this shirt for historical re-enactment, fantasy LARP, theatrical plays, or as an opulent centrepiece of a Gothic or pirate costume. It stands out wonderfully when worn under a period vest or a long coat (justaucorps).

Materials and Design Benefits

This garment is tailored from high-quality 100% cotton, which is naturally breathable, absorbs sweat excellently, and feels highly comfortable against the skin even during all-day wear. The front section just below the neck is adorned with an integrated jabot made from the same material, finished with elegant lace. Decorative lace (made of a 95% cotton and 5% nylon blend) is also featured on the bottom hems of the long sleeves. The traditional stiff cuff is practically replaced in this model by sewn-in elastic. This ensures that the sleeves hold their desired shape, do not slip down, and thus create that characteristic period balloon effect.

Care and Maintenance Instructions

To ensure your shirt retains its bright white colour and the decorations remain undamaged, we recommend machine washing it on a gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 30 to 40 °C (86 to 104 °F). Never wring the garment out with brute force. Absolutely avoid using a tumble dryer—the hot air could irreparably damage both the delicate lace and the elasticity of the gathered sleeves. Dry it hanging freely on a coat hanger. Cotton can tolerate ironing on a medium setting, but we recommend extreme caution around the lace and elastic, or simply using steam from a safe distance.

Cleaning and care of costumes

Important Note and Recommended Accessories

Please be aware that the black trousers and any jewellery shown in the photographs are not included in the delivery. You will receive only the Baroque shirt with the jabot.

To achieve the perfect appearance of a 17th or 18th-century aristocrat or cavalier, we recommend complementing the shirt with a richly decorated Baroque vest, tall leather riding boots with folded cuffs, and, of course, an elegant rapier. Ladies can stylishly pair it with a wide skirt and a laced leather bodice for a dashing fantasy pirate look.

Technical Parameters

Custom Modifications and Tailoring

Upon request, we will gladly tailor this Baroque Shirt for you in other colour combinations according to our fabric swatches. Please note the desired colour(s) in the comment field of your order in the following format: (1) swatch number, (2) colour letter, and (3) colour name (e.g., 03-A-Yellow). Selecting a fabric with a different composition may result in a price adjustment, which we will consult with you before processing the order.

The garment is available in standard sizes (measured in both centimetres and inches) according to our size chart. We will also make it exactly to your custom measurements at no extra charge – simply complete our custom measurement form after placing your order.