JP Ryan Early Spencer Jacket Pattern

The high-waisted female silhouette of the early 19th century inspired new forms of outerwear for women. Short Spencers could add warmth or fashion to a woman’s wardrobe, depending on the materials from which they were made. Extant garments are found in sheer cottons and lightweight silks for dressing up a gown, and in heavy wool for protection from the rain and snow. 

This original JP Ryan Early Spencer Jacket Pattern is based on an extant example in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York.  Dated c. 1800 and of French manufacture, the jacket is unlined and all interior seams were turned and finished. 

This JP Ryan Early Spencer Jacket Pattern can be constructed lined or unlined, and is designed to fit over period-correct stays and a late 1790s-1800s gown. It will not fit properly on a modern figure wearing modern undergarments.