"British Galleries:\nThe linen smock was an article of women's underwear similar to a man's shirt. It was one of the few items of clothing that could be washed. Most were undecorated, but this example may be a 'lying-in' smock. After childbirth, a woman rested in bed, receiving her female friends, and required a fancy version of her everyday smock. [27/03/2003]"@en . . . .