The Edwardian Blouse: History, Details and How to Wear It Now

The Edwardian blouse is one of the prettiest things in fashion history: white cotton, lace, tiny tucks and a high neck. It has come back strongly, and Dôen is one of the labels leading the revival, with blouses across the Dôen collection at Coveti. Here is how to recognise the style and wear it, with more in our designer tops. For the full range of Dôen blouses, see the Dôen tops guide.

What was the Edwardian blouse?

The Edwardian era ran from 1901 to 1910, under King Edward VII, though the style lasted until around the First World War. Women wore light blouses, then called shirtwaists, with long skirts. They were usually white cotton lawn and voile, with high necks, long sleeves and plenty of handwork.

The details to look for

• Pintucks: narrow stitched folds, often in clusters at the yoke.
• Inset lace: panels of lace set into the cotton.
• High and V necks: collars that close at the throat, and deep Vs edged with lace.
• Puffed and full sleeves: often gathered at the shoulder.
• Small buttons: mother-of-pearl and covered buttons.

Modern Edwardian blouses

Dôen’s Henri Top in Salt is described by the brand as an Edwardian-inspired blouse, with clustered pintucks at the yoke and a plunging V-neck. The Henri Lace Top in Black is the darker version. The Heirloom Hertise Top in Salt is based on Edwardian corset covers, in ramie with inset lace and silk ribbon straps. The Liletta Top in Salt, the Viola Top in Candlelight and the Greta Top in Salt carry the look into everyday.

How to wear an Edwardian blouse now

• With jeans: the easiest modern update. Straight jeans and loafers.
• With a long skirt: closest to the original, best with a modern shoe.
• Under tailoring: let the lace collar sit over a dark blazer.
• With a slip skirt: a satin skirt makes it evening wear.

Blouses in the Edwardian spirit

Every piece below is in stock at Coveti now, authenticated and shipped worldwide. See the full Dôen collection for every colourway.

• Dôen Manon Top in Candlelight, 650 US dollars. Silk satin gives the Manon Top its ease.
• Dôen Nailah Top in Black, 620 US dollars. Dôen makes the Nailah Top in nylon lace: a soft top with a V-neckline and a sleeveless cut.
• Dôen Opera Top in Black, 540 US dollars. The Opera Top is a fitted top in silk crinkle chiffon.
• Dôen Hardy Top in Salt, 530 US dollars. Cut in organic cotton voile, the Hardy Top is a breezy top with a V-neckline.
• Dôen Yadira Top in Candlelight, 620 US dollars. Dôen makes the Yadira Top in silk satin: a boxy top with a V-neckline.
• Dôen Espoir Top in Candlelight, 540 US dollars. Cut in jacquard, the Espoir Top is a popover top with a cowl neckline and long sleeves.
• Dôen Elodine Top in Sea Salt, 690 US dollars. Dôen makes the Elodine Top in silk chiffon: a soft top with a square neckline and bell sleeves.
• Dôen Dorsia Top in Sea Salt, 540 US dollars. The Dorsia Top is a relaxed top in twill.
• Dôen Karina Top in Salt, 500 US dollars. Dôen makes the Karina Top in ramie: a soft top with a neat collar and short sleeves.
• Dôen Yvette Top in Candlelight, 650 US dollars. The Yvette Top is a soft top in silk satin.

Frequently asked questions

What is an Edwardian blouse?

A light cotton blouse in the style worn from about 1900 to 1915, with pintucks, lace, a high and V neck and full sleeves.

What fabric were Edwardian blouses made from?

Usually fine white cotton such as lawn and voile, trimmed with lace.

Are Edwardian blouses in style?

Yes. Labels such as Dôen have brought back pintucked, lace-trimmed blouses as everyday pieces.

How do you wash a lace blouse?

Hand wash cold, without bleach, and dry it flat. Always check the care label first.