tea gown
Definition
Noun: A long, loose-fitting dress, typically made from fine, elegant fabrics, that was historically worn by women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for receiving guests or relaxing at home during afternoon tea.
Usage
The term "tea gown" specifically refers to a semi-formal, comfortable garment designed for private, social occasions in the home, most notably the afternoon tea ritual. It is a historical fashion item.
Examples
- She changed into a silk tea gown before her guests arrived for afternoon tea.
- The vintage photograph shows a woman in an elaborate lace tea gown.
- In her diary, she described purchasing a new tea gown for the winter season.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The tea gown emerged in the 1870s as a form of "undress" that was acceptable for receiving close friends at home. It bridged the gap between the restrictive formal daywear and private negligee, offering both elegance and relative comfort.
- Fashion Evolution: While initially quite structured, tea gowns of the Aesthetic Movement period (c. 1880s) were often inspired by medieval or Renaissance styles, featuring softer lines and artistic embroidery.
Variants and Related Words
- Tea dress: A related but distinct term. A tea dress is generally a simpler, shorter, and more modern dress suitable for wearing to afternoon tea outside the home.
- Negligee: A more private, sheer dressing gown, typically worn for sleeping or in the bedroom.
- Hostess gown: A mid-20th century term for a similar concept—an elegant, often flowing dress for entertaining guests at home.
Synonyms
- Afternoon gown (less common)
- Receiving gown (historical)
Antonyms
- Day dress (implies a dress for public, formal daytime activities)
- Evening gown (a formal dress for night-time events)
- Tailored suit (structured, formal daywear)
Noun
-
a long loose-fitting gown formerly popular for wear at afternoon tea
