A heirloom christening gown like any heirloom is normally passed down the generations, with many members of the same family being christened in the same 'old' but very beautiful gown.

The gown may be made from fine white linen or cotton, and more recently silk or satin. It could be trimmed with tucks, and sometimes smocked, to give a natural elastic effect that will add to the comfort of the gown. Smocking has become less popular over the years as not many people today know the needlework technique as they did in the past.

Smocking is unfortunately becoming a 'lost art', along with many other forms of needlework from the days gone by.

A heirloom christening gown would in the past normally be made by a family member, or it could have been purchased and altered, with detail being added over the years.

Other family members as they used it for their children, may have added delicate buttons, fine lace, or stunning embroidery.

A good thing to remember is that any christening or baptism gown can become a heirloom. Nowadays when not all little girls are taught to sew, gorgeous gowns can be purchased and kept as a family heirloom.

Heirloom christening gowns are widely available in many stores. They are made with the same charm and elegance that can be found on many antique gowns. Imagine your daughters daughter, or your sons son wearing the gown that they themselves were christened in!

Fabric plays a huge part in how long the gown is likely to last for. Cotton and linen are the fabrics most likely to last the longest. Silk will last quite well too, as will polyester. Acetate, nylon and rayon are not a good choice for a heirloom christening gown as they can 'self destruct' in a small number of years, and they will also 'yellow' quite quickly too!

When the heirloom gown does become too old to wear again, after many many years of service. Why not have it framed, in a museum-mount. You could make a written history of who wore the gown, and even a family tree to hang along side it.