19th Century Fashion

Fashion back in the late 1800's were obviously different than the type of clothes we have in the present day. Especially with some many cultures coming together and new styles being created, looking back at what people wore then, you can easily identify what era they were from because it was so distinctive.

Chemise:A woman's one piece undergarment.
Corset:A stiffened undergarment worn for support or to give shape to the waist and hips.
Petticoat: A skirt worn under a dress.

Pantalettes were the undermost garment a Lady would wear. Unlike the plain knee length drawers, the pantalette was longer in its leg length reaching passed the knee. It was decorated with tucks and flounces. They were made from Silk or Linen.

Another undergarment worn was the a chimise pronounced "shimmy". This was a loose undergarment that reached below the knees. It had a drawstring on the neckline and a button on the drawers. The chemise was calf lengthed and often had embroidered hems.

Next was the corset. She would put the corset on over the chemise. The corset itself had many designs. It was designed to give shape to the hips and waist. And to lift the bust area with support. It may have been a simple design with a little embroidery and lace. It tied in the back.

She then put on the petticoat. How many petticoats she wore was often determined by the temperature and the season. If it was summer she may only wear one. But in the bitter cold temperatures of winter many women wore five or six petticoats under their dresses.

In the mid 1850's the hoops became popular to wear. After having put on the chemise, corset, and petticoat the 19th century lady would put on the hoop skirt. Some of the these were made with thin steel wire and other materials. Over the hoop she would wear her finest petticoat with pretty lace and embroidery on the hem. Finally, after layering herself with the undergarments she would then put on the dress. And last but not least, a lady always wore her gloves and her bonnet.








http://gallery.sjsu.edu/paris/fashion/

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