What Did Women Wear Before Corsets?
Prior to corsets, women wore a variety of garments that were both decorative and functional. Loose gowns with attached sleeves or detachable ones known as kirtles were common items of clothing during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. During the Tudor period, some ladies chose to wear French hoods over their head in addition to their gowns. Doublets became popular for women after the 16th century which featured extra padding along the chest and midsection for added definition. Women also sported an assortment of aprons throughout different eras while engaged in daily activities such as cooking or sewing.
Contents:
Pre-Corset Undergarments
In the days before corsets, women relied on a different type of undergarment to create their desired shape. The most popular choice was the stays, which were stiffened with wood or reed and could be worn in place of a corset. This structure provided an even shape from waist to hip, as well as increasing posture for women during long periods of sitting. Stays also created a sense of support and comfort throughout the day, acting almost like modern-day Spanx.
Women would also opt for shifts made out of linen that could be tucked beneath clothing layers when necessary. For instance, slips were used by those who didn’t have wealth and status to own multiple outfits – they had just one dress but changed its look by simply adjusting where it was placed over their shift garment. Clothiers often put extra details into these simple designs such as tucks along hemlines or ruffles at necklines for special occasions making them more unique and fashionable than if worn alone.
Bodices were yet another popular pre-corset underwear choice among fashionable ladies at this time period. These garments emphasized the hourglass figure with boning at center fronts providing added stiffness while still being light enough not to make movement too difficult. They also came in various styles from lacing up sides or wrapping around front giving wearers options when choosing their outfit’s foundation silhouette.
Dresses in the 16th Century
In the 16th century, dresses were often made with layers of fabric and decorated with intricate details. Traditionally women wore long dresses cut from fine fabrics like damask or satin, which hung loosely over their body providing a wide range of movement. Hemlines during this time period typically fell to the floor length and were adorned with small beadings and ribbons that gave it an added touch of elegance. Despite being fitted around the neckline, these garments generally lacked waist definition or shape, since corsets were yet to make their way into society.
At first glance, some dresses may appear quite plain as most emphasized modest design principles, though close inspection reveals exceptional tailoring techniques used in order to create complex construction. Unusual cuts were popular during this time such as kirtles - knee-length garments - or open side gowns that featured lacings on either side and petticoats underneath for additional warmth. Ornamental headdresses consisting of veils and jewels became increasingly popular during this era too; held in place by delicate netting that was often secured to the hair with pins.
Moreover, accessories such as gloves, purses made from velvet fabric, fans handcrafted out of feathers also complimented attire during this period; while it wasn’t uncommon for wealthy ladies to accessorize themselves further with jewelry such as brooches studded with precious stones or exotic pearls dangling from strings around their necks. With all these additions included, one could hardly deny how stylishly put together they looked without modern technology's influence.
Changes through the 17th Century
Women's fashion underwent a major transformation between the 16th and 17th centuries. The silhouette of what women wore shifted from loose, flowing garments to tighter-fitting shapes designed to exaggerate curves. As such, clothing trends for women moved away from the typical wide skirts and scoop necklines with puffy sleeves into more structured looks which would later evolve into modern corsets in the Victorian era.
One of the key changes that took place during this time period was a transition away from large farthingales, or hoopskirts, and layers upon layers of heavy fabric as a signifier of wealth or social rank. Instead, fashionable dresses changed to form fitted bodices combined with very full skirts made from fewer pieces of material than had previously been used. This combination became popular among all classes thanks to its simplicity in construction yet grand impression when worn in public settings.
Another development during this period was the introduction of stomachers, pieces of embroidered cloth or jewellery shaped like triangles which were often placed at centre front position on dresses to further emphasise an hourglass figure. These styles incorporated modest décolletage by elongating collars down well below breasts while placing trimmings along edges for aesthetic purposes only; this visually balanced out their look without compromising modesty standards set by society at that time.
Full-Length Gowns of the 18th Century
The 18th century was an era of grand gowns, and women had no shortage of options when it came to full-length styles. Before the corset became a popular undergarment in Europe, women often fashioned panniers out of linen or canvas to hold out their skirts for a wider silhouette. But even without shapely support from a corset, there were elaborate dresses that featured intricate details like ruffles, pleats, embroidery, and lace trim. Skirts also had pockets in them which added texture as well as function - carrying money and small items such as snuffboxes.
Empire line gowns with high waists were popular during this time period due to neoclassical influences from Greece and Rome. Though these garments could be fitted at the top using drawstrings or ties concealed in the garment's lining, they typically left room for movement by being slightly looser than what one would expect from today’s figure-hugging shapes. As women pushed away from tighter silhouettes seen in some earlier centuries – like the Spanish farthingale – more freedom was given to their daily dress choices as long skirts remained prominent but fitted less tightly around the body.
By mid-century large sleeves started taking over fashion trends with bell shaped designs appearing on many gowns (most famously depicted in portrait paintings of Marie Antoinette). These voluminous creations made use of fabric overlays along with gathers and tucks creating beautiful layers around arms that swayed gracefully when worn by dancers and ladies attending balls or opera performances. Wig makers continued crafting ornate coiffures that matched their clients' colorful fabrics making for unforgettable extravagance wherever women went wearing 18th century full-length fashions.
Accessories and Footwear for Women
Before corsets were invented, women’s clothing was quite different from what is seen today. Women wore full-length gowns and coats made of various materials including cotton, linen, silk, and wool to name a few. To complete the look, they also had fashionable accessories such as chokers, necklaces or pins that could be pinned to their hair or clothing. Women often opted for headgear such as hats and bonnets that offered protection from the sun while still looking stylish.
Footwear varied depending on one's station in life – during this period wealthy individuals typically had custom shoes crafted out of leather or canvas whereas those who did not have financial means generally wore stockings without shoes. Regardless of status however common footwear included slippers which men and women alike donned in the home setting. Another well known shoe style popular among all social classes during this era were pattens; these covered the sole of a woman's shoe with wooden base and an attached iron ring around it for increased traction on slick surfaces like snow or mud.
Regardless of class standing or lack thereof there was no shortage of fashionable accessories available to elevate an individual's attire; things like watches embroidered gloves masks ribbons sashes handkerchiefs purses fans tassels buttons pendants bangles earrings waistcoats lace cloth muffs etc - these items provided both form and function allowing even modestly dressed people to stand out without appearing overly ostentatious.
Ornamental Outer Garments
Prior to the invention of corsets, women typically adorned themselves with ornamental outer garments. These garments often featured intricate detailing and embellishments such as elaborate lace patterns or dazzling embroidery that added a touch of class and elegance to their style. Women also typically wore luxurious fabrics such as silks and velvets to accentuate their figures. Layering was popular too; underskirts were worn beneath decorative skirts for warmth in cold months while ladies donned woolen cloaks when necessary, using them as both fashionable garments and practical tools for protection from the elements.
These ornate pieces lent formality to daily wear, allowing wearers to make bold fashion statements throughout every season. Whereas today’s wardrobe is largely dominated by plain apparel, historic fashion boasted a much broader array of vibrant colors and textures meant to inspire awe among viewers. Many materials used in these ensembles were imported from afar - evidence of how far people were willing to go for fashion even centuries ago.
Accessories completed many fashionable looks in days gone by, with bonnets being particularly popular during this era before corsets came into vogue. Such headwear varied widely in design and could be made out of any material from straw to velvet; some hats even had wings sewn onto them. Shoes weren't overlooked either: long pointed toe shoes called "chopines" or wooden clogs provided an unexpected twist on standard footwear designs at the time.
More on this topic: Did corsets cause damage?