Popular in the 1770’s, the dormouse (night cap) was also referred to as a baigneuse (bathing cap.) The crown of the cap fits loosely over the head, with rounded wings or ears, framing the face. This cap is designed to be trimmed with two rows of ruching over the ears, a band of pouffing around the crown, and a ribbon bow at center front. One size fits all.
Dormeuse or French Night Cap for undress day wear
According to the Handbook of English Costume in the 18th Century by C. Willet and Phillis Cunnington, the dormeuse was particularly popular in the 1770's.
This original cap pattern is based primarily on caps illustrated in The West Family, c. 1772, and The Six Children of George III, c. 1776, by Benjamin West. Similarly styled caps may be seen in Girl Plucking a Turkey, by H. Walton; Fashion Plate #51, 1778, Galerie des Modes; and the French engravings Le Lever and Le Bain, 1774, A. Romanet, Sculpt. in the designer's collection.