Chemise/Shift

Above the elbow Post 1790
The chemise or shift as it was sometimes referred to, was the primary undergarmet of the woman's wardrobe. This she put on first before all others. Shifts/chemise's were slept in and bathed in when necessary. What dates this garmet to post 1790 is the short, tight sleeve.

Below the elbow fuller sleeve Pre 1790

An earlier example of a chemise shows the sleeves to be fuller and below the elbow.

Both styles had undergarment gussets and drawstring ties around the neck opening. In the case of the long sleeved style drawstring around the bottom of the sleeve were used to close up the sleeve and hold it in place. Sometimes adorned with ruffles. The short sleeve stlye would offer gathers, pletes, or ties. Many chemises were marked in the usual way with the warer's initials cross-stitched on the front. This was another way of marking it as an eighteenth century garmet.

PettiCoat

French Bodice

Comes Fully Lined

The French style bodice Mrs. Bradford (DianePowers) is wearing is distinguished by the drop points that taper just below the waist ending midway down the stomach. It also has a low scooping neckline. This style should fit snug to show off the assets of a woman's shape.

Fully lined in cotton, linen or muslin. When available can be lined with silk or rayon. However rayon was in use after 1884 and was known as 'artificial silk' by the inventor Hilaire Chardonnet. It was1910 before it was first manufactured in the United States and named Rayon in 1924.

The French Bodice comes in many colors and prints. Fabrics include; wool, cotton, linen, velvet and brocade, etc. Will do hand stitched eyelets if you prefer. This will increase the cost of the garmet by $15.00.

English Bodice

Short Gowns

This jacket was worn whenever out of the house

Plain/Lower Class • Fancy/Upper Class

Bed Gown 1730-1760

This French Style with its pleats and Pagoda Sleeves comes in several colors, fabrics and prints. Both classes wore the bed gown - fabrics made the difference.

18th Century Cape

Polonaise

Sac Back Gown

Strap Dress Ojibwa Style

Plains Style

Wrap Skirt

This example of an undergarment for the Empire gown shows the back view.