Dress in the 19th century
The 19th century can be taken as a period of time when the way how people were dressed was closely connected with a social class of which the person was a member. Since half of this century, also the middle class was interested in fashion and the look of the dress as well as about hygiene. Clothing started to be a sign of social prosperity and position. Girls were taught to be able to sew their own dresses. If we wanted to find a source of fashion inspiration, we would have to travel to Paris. In this room, there is a replica of a woman´s dress. This type of dress was worn during the second half of the 19th century.
An ideal shape of a woman´s body - in other words it is necessary to suffer if you want to be beautiful.
An ideal shape of a woman´s body of this period can be described by these words: a well-rounded silhouette and a thin waist. A corset ensured it. For a long time, the most important and interesting part of a woman´s body was the bottom. The change of this point of view appears in the late 19th century when bosom started to be in the centre of attention.
And there is the result of this motto...
Wearing a corset was connected not only with discomfort but also with health risks. A corset caused severe damages of the spine, chest and organs.
What is it? Believe it or not, it is a swimsuit.
Would you say you can see in this picture a swimsuit? This one was worn in the second half of the 19th century. It is interesting that their silhouette almost copied a crinoline, except for a shorter skirt and long trousers.
Clothing that was worn in Boskovice region by women for special occasions.
It is taken as a fact that women used to wear black as a festive dress while “normal” clothing was more colourful.
Empire style (1800 - 1820)
Biedermeier (1820 - 1835)
Rococo Revival style (1830 - 1870) - in our land often connected with empress Sissi
Second Bustle Era (1870 - 1900)
Art Nouveau (at the turn of 19th and 20th century) - evening dress
Art Nouveau (at the turn of 19th and 20th century)
Parts of dress.
Pieces of clothing (woman, 19th century)
It is clothing of a middle or high class woman during the 2nd half of the 19th century. In this picture, there is no underwear which used to be a part of clothing too.
They have ribbons. Style and material were changed depending on the season.
Boots closed up with buttons.
A corset was buttoned up and then laced up.
Light petticoat was usually worn during cold seasons.
A standard camisole covers a corset.
A bustle cage was either open or covered by fabric. It was possible to sit down in it.
A manin petticoat was an essential part. It covered the bustle cage.
A skirt was the visible part of the clothes and it was made of cotton or silk. The skirt had pockets - the big ones as well as the small ones which served for coins.
Drapery was worn over a skirt.
The bodice had a waist tape (hooked first).
The ties were secured under the chin.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinakillgrove/2015/11/16/how-corsets-d…
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Wasp_waist.png
Kybalová, Ludmila: Dějiny odívání. Od empíru k druhému rokoku. Praha 2004.
Lenderová, Milena: Z dějin české každodennosti. Život v 19. století. Praha 2017.
Válka, Miroslav (ed.) a kol.: Lidová kultura a nářečí na Boskovicku. Boskovice 2009.
