Stede Bonnet, is that you?
From Attire's Mind:
" During the 18th and 19th centuries banyan’s were commonplace at home garments for a lot of men. Of course fabrication and quality of making varied a lot based on one’s income. They eventually became so well-regarded that it was not unusual to see a gentleman out and about wearing one as casual attire.
This stunner is from about 1775 according to the MET which holds it.
By the manner of its cut and the presence of an attached waistcoat I would suggest it may be even a bit later, 1785 or so.
It is made of a dazzling yellow silk brocade with a huge pattern repeat.That argues that the fabric is much older than the garment, and possibly repurposed from some other thing. It is also true that fine fabrics such as this were often stored for decades before being used at last. The scale of the pattern suggests a time of weaving around the middle of the century when grandly sized patterns dominated.
According to Town & Country Magazine from 1785: ” Banyans are worn in every part of the town from Wapping to Westminster, and if a sword is occasionally put on it sticks out of the middle of the slit behind. This however is the fashion, the ton, and what can a man do? He must wear a banyan. "
