Woman's red wool riding habit, by unknown maker, 1770–75

In the 18th century, women needed practical clothes for riding, travelling and walking outdoors. This hand-sewn example illustrates how the styles of women’s riding habits were adapted from a man’s coat and waistcoat. The jacket is shorter than a man’s coat but has comparable buttons and trim. The waistcoat is also similar to a man’s version. However, wearing breeches would have been unthinkable for a woman in the 18th century, so the petticoat was a necessary part of the riding habit.

Museum no. 269-1890