Fashion changes with the times, and the times are changing.  Women's fashions change every decade, and by the mid 1800’s men’s fashion begin to solidify into the three piece suit. The invention of the sewing machine puts hand stitchers out of business and the ready-made market is born. Haute couture changes how people think about clothing, instead of the customer telling the tailor what to make, the designers tell the customers what to wear. A dress by Worth is all the rage.

1795-1810 Georgian

1811-1820 Regency

1821-1890 Victorian

1891-1900 Edwardian

Drawers can be joined for looks and modern sensibilities or split for historic accuracy and ease of personal needs (going to the Loo with hoops is tricky when you have to pull stuff up and down).

1790’s - 1820’s The Regency petticoat is a full slip-dress worn over the corset and under the gown to preserve some modesty considering the clingy, light-weight and sheer fabrics worn in this era.

A chemisette is a small false top to cover the neckline, much like a partlet or dickey and can be worn for any year in the 1800’s.  The Camisole is an 1880’s upper garment, similar to a sleeveless shirt. It is worn under the corset, in place of the chemise. Camisoles can be attached to drawers. 

1790 - 1830  Corded stays can be ½ or full bust with shoulder straps and they end just below the hip.  They provide a lot of support, are very beautiful and comfortable.  There is a busk in front to separate the bust, they are lightly boned at the sides and they lace in back.  Perfect for full-figured women dressing in Regency and Romantic styles.

*Any style of stays or corsets can be corded, they tend to be more comfortable and allow a greater range of motion.

1800-1830  This is the predecessor of the modern bra.  It is made from one or two pieces that cross over your bust and tie in front.  It has shoulder straps and is fully boned or corded. This version is perfect for slight figures that still require support.

Drawstring or fitted waistband petticoat. The fitted waistband closes with a button or hook & eyes, it can also have hook & eyes that attach to the inside of your bodice. Regency petticoats have suspenders and button or hook to the bodice.

1820’s - 1890’s Our lightly corded petticoats have 12 rows of cotton cording. Heavily corded petticoats have 18” of cording at the bottom, 12” in the center and 8” at the top for maximum skirt support. Starching directions are included.

1850’s - 1870’s This petticoat comes in 90” 120” 150” and 200”. Size and shapes vary depending on your needs.

1820’s & 1870’s - 1900 Bustles come in many shapes and sizes.  Padded pillow bustles are comfortable and easiest to clean.  Wire bustles can help you achieve amazing changes in your figure... and they're all fun to bounce around in. Bustle styles will depend on the year and garment you are wearing.

1795-1820, Regency style dress. White was the most popular color for evening wear, pastel colors were favored for day wear. Lightweight fabrics for spring and summer, heavier fabrics for fall and winter.

1795-1820 The Spencer jacket is a Regency garment with a high waist. It was worn for extra warmth in winter and as protection from the sun in the summer. Traditionally it had long sleeves, but they can be of any length.

1830’s. The Romantic era dresses went through several changes, but they were characterized by a small waist, conical skirt and very BIG sleeves. Waistbands became pointed at the end of the decade and the fullness of the sleeve moved down the arm.

1840’s. Narrow, sloped shoulders restrict arm movement giving women a very “feminine” air. The waist comes to a narrow point and wide skirts are supported by multiple petticoats. The practice of making day and evening bodices to match a skirt began in this decade. Day bodices have a high neckline, evening bodices are usually off the shoulder with short sleeves. Skirts should be worn over a starched & corded petticoat, or multiple layers of petticoats to achieve the desired fullness.

1850’s & 60’s. This gored skirt fits over a hoop petticoat or crinoline.

1850’s & 60’s. This mid century bodice has triangular sleeves with the fullness at the wrist. Engagentes were worn underneath it to cover the arms. This bodice can be cut high or low for day and evening wear.

1860’s. Zouave jackets were inspired by military dress, and are similar to Spencer jackets. They are short-waisted, button at the neck and fall away to curve around the back. Much like a cardigan today

1860 - 1900. Inspired by the Pre Raphaelite art movement. Many of these dresses were similar to Regency styles, early Renaissance styles and fantasy Medieval styles. They are characterized by a more “natural” form and an uncorseted figure.

1870’s. Tea gowns were artistic-inspired gowns with a loose & flowing sack back. Tea gowns were for informal entertaining in the home or having tea at another family member’s home.

1870’s. The princess gown is made from panels and gores that go from neck to hem. It is form-fitting from neck to knees then flairs out with a long train and many embellishments. Fabrics were light and airy silks or sheers.

1870’s A long waisted, form fitting bodice that fits over a bustle.

1870’s. This is a very elegant A-line skirt with a train. The extensive use of trim disguises the simple design.

1890’s. This gored skirt fits nicely over a bustle or can be worn on its own. It falls smoothly to create a very clean look.

1890’s day wear button-down shirt.

Styles change depending on region and year.

1840’s - 1900. False sleeves, were worn under pagoda bodices and as lace cuffs later on. They could be pinned, sewn or laced to the chemise or dress, then removed for easy laundering.

Shirts become more fitted in the 1800’s and have a variety of collar, cuff and yoke styles depending on the year and region.

This underbust corset slightly reduces the waist to create a broader chest and curved hips. Lacing loosened throughout the century, and by 1900 most men had abandoned corsets. Many men wore corsets, and if you are portraying a dandy this garment is essential.

The waistcoat or vest had few changes throughout the century, but minor variations in style will help date your outfit. Most waistcoats were cut straight in front until the later half of the century when they had tabs. Collars varied depending on the year.

The tail coat can be double or single breasted. This coat changed little throughout the century, tails moved forward or back along the waistline, lapels and collars changed with fashion and sleeves had

more or less poof depending on the year.

Fall front pants are very comfortable, and a defining characteristic of the Gerogian and Regency ears. All fall front pants have pockets. Yes, pockets are historically documented. You can have pockets!

The frock coat was for informal day wear. It closes in the front and can be double or single breasted.

The morning coat has a cut-away front similar to the tail coat, but was worn for less formal occasions. It is single breasted or open.

1850’s predecessor of the modern suit coat. This is a loose fitting coat with straight seams. It was worn as a sport coat for many years, but did not become business wear until the twentieth century.

1870’s. The overcoat is a long, fur lined coat that can be double or single breasted. It fits loosely over all other garments.