17th Century 4

tabbed-bodice-&-skirt.jpg

17th Century 4

Dress for women

Shifts

A shift is an undergarment (rather like a nightshirt) to be worn by all females. It is simply 2 long, straight rectangles of cotton, which are sewn at the shoulders ( leaving a wide neck ), and sewn at the sides up to the armholes.

There is no shaping to the long sleeves which are simply inserted into the armholes.

The garment is tied at the neck and cuffs by drawstrings. Lace trimming may be added by the rich, but there is no adornment for lower ranks.

Babies dresses

Babies dresses (for both boys and girls) are similar to a shift, but they are fastened with buttons at the front or back. Any loose material at the shoulder is adjusted with pintucks or smocking. The wrist length sleeves are tied with drawstrings.

Skirts

These were very full garments made of a woollen material, so don't skimp on this.

The material is gathered or pleated onto a high waistband and worn instep length, although some labouring women wore their skirts at calf length.

Bodices

A high waisted bodice can be fastened at the front or back by lacing or buttons. It should have 8 tabs, the ones at the back being identical and overlapping. The sleeves should be very full. The bodice should be tight fitting and well stiffened.

Jackets

A mans jacket was called a doublet or singlet. A womans garment was very similar, but was only ever called a jacket. It was often made of thick cotton and could be embroidered.


17th century costume for re-enactors