Riding habit

Art Historical Context

This elegant riding habit, crafted by T. Miller & Sons of New York in the 1900s, reflects the refined equestrian culture of early twentieth-century America. Designed for women participating in horseback riding, the ensemble combines practicality with tailored sophistication. The main components are fashioned from durable wool, while silk and cotton accents provide comfort and subtle elegance, showcasing the careful material choices typical of period sportswear. As a product of a prominent New York firm, the habit highlights the growing American ready-to-wear industry at a time when women increasingly pursued active outdoor pursuits. Its structured silhouette allowed for both modesty and mobility, embodying the transitional fashion of the era. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute in 1940 by Mrs. Louis G. Smith, the piece offers visitors a glimpse into how clothing balanced social expectations with emerging ideas of leisure and independence.