Victorian Era Clothing

Probably the thing I find most interesting about this time period is the clothing. I cannot believe how much women went through just to look "presentable". While I love how some of the attire looks, I don't think I would enjoy going through the same process every single day. Probably the most ridiculous invention for women's dress was the bustle or tournure. This was essentially a skeleton grid of a huge dress made of our rows of whalebone that ran only from the woman's side and around the back. This made a woman's rear look ridiculously large and not to mention must have made it really hard to walk around. And sitting? Forget it. Well, until 1887 when Lillie Langtry created a bustle that had springs in it so that the bustle folded up as a woman sat down. Apparently, it would even spring back to its normal position when she stood back up. 

A Langtry bustle replica

Each of these things would also be accompanied with layers of undergarments. They would wear long white muslin "drawers", flannel petticoats in the winter, a calico petticoat that was quilted and reinforced with whalebone, and numerous other petticoats (the outer one usually was embroidered). On top of all of this was a tightly laced corset because even with layers and layers underneath, a woman still needed a tiny waist. These clothing rituals were continued during all times of the year, including the hot summers. I cannot imagine wearing that much clothing in 90 degree weather. I am definitely thankful that the times have changed.

http://victorianbazaar.com/crinoline.html

http://garymag.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/harempants/victorian-bustle/

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/patterns/1873bustleinfo.html

LH