Pet-en-l'air

The Pet-en-l'air or Robe à la Française has a fitted torso without front waist seam, and a pleated sack back that extends from neckline to hem. The fit of the bodice is controlled by the lining; it has an under stomacher that laces closed in the front and ties to adjust the back. Pattern is for pet-en-l'air, three sleeve flounces and stomacher only. Instructions are included for extending the pet-en-l'air into a gown and for constructing a shaped petticoat which will hang evenly over pocket hoops. Available in sizes 6-8 through 22-24.

The robe à la française was one of the most flattering gowns worn by ladies in the 18th century. Fitted closely to the torso in the front, the back of the gown hangs in graceful pleats from shoulder to hemline. This style was popular from the 1750’s through the 1770’s. In its shortened jacket form, it was usually called a pet-en-lair. The enclosed pattern is for the pet-en-lair, sleeve flounces and stomacher only. Directions are given for extending the pet-en-lair into a gown. In addition, instructions and cutting layout are included for making a petticoat which will hang gracefully over pocket hoops.

This original pattern is based on extant examples of sack gowns and pet-en-lairs, as shown in Patterns of Fashion 1, by Janet Arnold; and in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, robe à la française, c.1755-1770, CI 43-90-49; gold satin caraco (pet-en-lair) and petticoat c. 1775, CI 37-57 ab.