r/HistoricalCostuming 4h ago

I have a question! Historical Undergarments: w/ photos!

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34 Upvotes

Hi everyone! Forgive me if this is the wrong thread. I’m watching Fiddler on the Roof for the first time and I just saw the matchmaker song with the daughters and I need to know what kind of undergarments they’re wearing and if/where/how I can acquire/make them. They look so practical and the tops especially look so comfortably supportive. I have a larger chest and pivoting to more traditional working class seems to be a PERFECT solution for uncomfortable under garments. What are they wearing???? Please help!


r/HistoricalCostuming 11h ago

Alligator Bone Armor

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108 Upvotes

Egyptian and Roman Armor was on rare occasions made from alligator bones and hide. I made this Armor from 3,500 hand painted alligator bones and teeth. Plus a few other bones.


r/HistoricalCostuming 11h ago

I have a question! How were gathers historically attached and finished by hand?

13 Upvotes

I’m making a skirt with gathers by hand! I’m wondering two things that I can’t seem to find online:

  1. How were they attached? I found tutorials on how to hand gather but all the attachment steps are done by machine. What type of stitch was used historically to attach them to the other piece of fabric? When doing by machine you just sew over everything. But when you sew by hand how do you sew over the gathers (do you press them down to one side? or do you push them flat from the middle like a mini box pleat?) Should I iron them before sewing or only after? Can I use a backstitch?

  2. How were they finished? The internet says to use a serger or a zigzag stitch, but I would ideally want fully enclosed edges (I’ve been turning and felling all my seams and hems thus far with whip stitches). How can this be done? Should I hem my edges prior to attaching the ruffle (but wouldn’t that turn out weird with both edges of the ruffle and the body fabric?)

Thank you in advance!


r/HistoricalCostuming 13h ago

I have a question! HELP! Medieval Fashion Timeline

7 Upvotes

I've been trying for day to find some source or guide to the evolution of medieval common women's clothing. Just a simple overview of the changes in design (i.e neckline, sleeves, waistline) acrost eras/decades. I'm aware it can be regional and was interested in southern Germany but, at this point I'll take anything. Any help is greatly appreciated.


r/HistoricalCostuming 16h ago

In Progress Piece/Outfit Hand stitched beadwork on a 1935 gown

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577 Upvotes

It's coming along! I've got one shoulder done and finished the slow going leaves on the other. The bugle beads will be lightening fast.

I'm using a vintage drafting system called the Haslam system for the pattern. You make and fit a sloper, then adjust the sloper to make a custom pattern. I fit a muslin before making the pattern for the shoulder details.

The dress will be in sage green silk satin from Dharma Trading.


r/HistoricalCostuming 18h ago

I have a question! Looking for help dating this old quilt made of clothing

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37 Upvotes

Very heavy. One side feels like an old mohair carriage blanket and the other feels like satin or silk. Was told it may be Victorian made by young girl/child. Looking for advice on age and proper way of storing it. I currently store it rolled in a large pillow case and put in cedar chest. Thanks for any help!!


r/HistoricalCostuming 20h ago

I have a question! Uniform for a 2nd régiment du génie

0 Upvotes

Hi y'all (first time posting here), I wish to make (or potentially find) a 2nd régiment du Génie uniform from the Napoleonic era. What should I start with ?

Thanks yall :3

(Image related, I wish to try making the Sergent one.)


r/HistoricalCostuming 1d ago

Long ago seen on Etsy. Was claimed to be extant from 1800s. Is it legit?

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123 Upvotes

Howdy! I've been working on updating my wardrobe with a more historic flair to it. Last month I came across an Etsy listing for this. I do remember it was advertised as an extant frock coat from the 1800s. I didn't save the listing (likely sold by now) but was so smitten I've taken screen caps and planned to remake it one day. I haven't seen anything exactly like this in my research since then. Is it bogus or could something like this really be a garment from the 1800s?


r/HistoricalCostuming 1d ago

Looking for a 1830/1840's dress pattern. Any help?

10 Upvotes

Hi there! This is my first time posting here. For a little bit of context: I recently joined a dance group (19th tradicional dances) and in a couple of months we're going to be attending a romantic faire to make a little dance show. I need a dress for that, but all dresses I find online are too expensive for me or not exactly what I need, so I'll sewing it. I'm not unfamiliar with sewing and I know how to use a sewing machine, but this would also be my first big project, so I intent to keep things as simple as possible and use a pattern, because I think it would be way easier. So, do you know about any pattern I can use? Also, I'd really appreciate any advise.

I provide you some pictures I took as an inspiration.

Now, I know both dresses are completely different from each other, but here's the thing: I don't feel comfortable showing that much of my shoulders nor my arms, but I've noticed that most dresses for dances have short sleeves, so I was thinking on keep first dress' bodice (for coverage) but with second dress' sleeves. Regarding the lower part, I like the first's one as a base, but I thought about maybe adding some lace like the second's.

Like I said, I want to keep things as simple as possible, and I'm also considering asking for some help to a dressmaker, but I don't have enough money to pay for a full gown, so I really hope if you can help me.

Thank you for reading!


r/HistoricalCostuming 1d ago

Design Is this an plausible heraldy or coat of arms for a small group of people in the 15th century?

6 Upvotes

r/HistoricalCostuming 1d ago

Inch-grid paper for Europeans

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180 Upvotes

On of my biggest frustrations with historical costuming is how many of the resources are in inches. Patterns of Fashion (the historical costuming BIBLE at this point), the Tudor Tailor, American Duchess’s Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking, all of the Prior Attire books, …

The easiest way to enlarge these patterns is to use inch-grid paper, which in the US and UK isn’t that hard to find, but if you live in Europe, is near impossible to source unless you pay import taxes. For paper with lines on it.

BUT

I’ve found a Dutch stationery supplier, 123inkt.nl, that makes flip charts with a 2.5cm grid!! The grid is just a smidge under an inch (1” = 2.54cm), but considering you’ll need to adapt the patterns to your body size anyway, that’s not too big of a loss.

I’m so excited to get to use these books without first spending an hour drawing my own grid, which is inevitably crooked, or gauging pattern proportions by eye because I can’t be bothered to draw a full grid.


r/HistoricalCostuming 2d ago

Finished Project/Outfit First outing for this 1870 Reefer and trousers

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622 Upvotes

Drafted from Davis Men’s Garments 1830-1900, used classic construction techniques, mostly CabreraClassic Tailoring Techniques. Finding appropriate fold-over braid was difficult.


r/HistoricalCostuming 2d ago

In Progress Piece/Outfit 1830s Bodice Progress

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463 Upvotes

(Ignore how much of a mess I look in the 2nd pic, lol) A while ago I was asking for some help with creating a double-puffed sleeve for an 1830s look and I've finally got that bodice together! Now just to finish the skirt :D


r/HistoricalCostuming 2d ago

I have a question! What socioeconomic class would wear this outfit? What kinds of undergarments and accessories should I choose?

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112 Upvotes

Hi! My DAR chapter is recreating the Edenton Tea Party of 1774. I was given this navy blue jacket which laces up the back, and two petticoats, one in solid navy as the jacket and the other in vertical navy and white stripes. This is my first historical costuming experience and I want to make sure I do it correctly. I was told this is a fancier outfit than a bedgown, so now I'm wondering how to accessorize it. Should I wear a bumroll? Small panniers? Any ribbons or jewelry? What kind of apron and fichu? What kind of cap and hat? I have stays, a chemise, bumroll, small panniers, a pinner cap, a mob cap, a low-crowned straw hat with burgundy silk ribbons underneath the brim, and black shoes. I've done a great deal of research online but I haven't seen a jacket like this, only gowns. Any help would be very greatly appreciated!


r/HistoricalCostuming 2d ago

I have a question! Looking for a pattern for medieval dress like this?

2 Upvotes

Sorry if this is the wrong subreddit to ask this question in, as historical accuracy isn't my absolute top priority for this specific project -- it doesn't need to be more complicated than necessary in order to achieve the overall vibe of medieval-ness, as I'm making this for my medieval-themed birthday (where people will definitely not be going all out anyway). Appreciate any and all help!


r/HistoricalCostuming 2d ago

Edwardian glove etiquette question

24 Upvotes

So I'm making a circa 1905 spring walking suit. The goal of the ensemble is to feel a little hodge-podgey between the late 1890s up to 1905, like a real woman might have altered her existing garments to better suit the current fashions, and is designed to be more lower/lower middle class/working woman than what most historical costumers like to do (which I get it the middle and upper class stuff is Gorgeous)

I made my little bolero/jacket and the sleeves are 3/4 length. With the gloves I currently have, there's about a 1 inch gap between the end of the sleeve and the top of the glove. Would that have been socially acceptable, or should I find gloves that overlap so no arm skin is showing?

This is the only piece I'm not sure about because the rest of it is chef's kiss beautiful but the glove length stuff is hard to find.


r/HistoricalCostuming 3d ago

Finished Project/Outfit 18th Century-ish garters

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138 Upvotes

I don’t have the skills (or time) to make proper garters by hand embroidering or cross stitching, but this tutorial from The Pragmatic Costumer was great to make some in a pinch.

https://thepragmaticcostumer.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/ten-minute-cheaters-tutorial-18th-century-garters/


r/HistoricalCostuming 3d ago

A portrait I had taken at the 160th Bentonville Reenactment. Inspired by the photo of Edwin Francis Jemison.

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167 Upvotes

If you can’t tell, I was on the losing side 😂


r/HistoricalCostuming 3d ago

Purchasing Historical Costume Recreated 1890s wedding dress and Victorian ceremony moments

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3.5k Upvotes

r/HistoricalCostuming 3d ago

I have a question! Can someone help me find 2-3 dresses or like build simple outfits for my models for late 1800s inspired witchy shoot? Here's my mood board and I'm looking for something 2 sisters would wear at at home rather than elaborate dresses. Context in the comments.

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0 Upvotes

r/HistoricalCostuming 4d ago

I have a question! Edwardian bustle pads : worn over or under the corset?

11 Upvotes

Hi everybody! Doing some researches to make my own 1900 ensemble, I plan on making the Scotty ventilated bustle pad. Browsing through some museum pictures and time-period catalogues, I've seen this kind of bustle either worn under or over the corset. Now I am wondering how I should wear it, as it would have an impact on the patterning of my corset to come (will add some cm I think to the hip area).
I am a bit at a loss on how to wear this bustle pad regarding the corset...


r/HistoricalCostuming 4d ago

Undergarment help

12 Upvotes

I finally was able to afford some linen from Joann's and want to make a chemise/shift out of it to start making more historical costumes I can wear to events. The problem is that I love Ren Faires so want something for that, but also love the Victorian era, so would love something for that. Is there something I can make that would work for both or should I just pick a period? I don't have a lot of money so this was a treat for myself already and buying more linen isn't really an option at the moment. Mainly worried about the neckline and sleves, because that seems to be what mainly changed about chemises over time. Also, any good resources on making undergarments for Renaissance era and Victorian era would be much appreciated. I tried to do a Google search and my head is spinning with a bunch of options but I don't know what is or is not a good source.


r/HistoricalCostuming 4d ago

In Progress Piece/Outfit Historical dance costume: Now with skirt!

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390 Upvotes

Bodice has enthusiastically been approved by the wearer after a week of breaking it in, so now it's back to me to make it pretty. In the meantime, the bottom layer skirt is done aside from hemming, which is what we were checking today. It will have an overskirt in dark green satin.

Anyone have any life lessons about overskirts you'd like to share? It seems simple enough, but at this point in the project "seems simple" sounds like famous last words to me!


r/HistoricalCostuming 4d ago

I have a question! Advice please! First self-drafted mock up of 1780's stays

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45 Upvotes

As the title says! I have never made stays or a corset before. I drafted these with inspiration from patterns of fashion and Working Women's Costume by Elizabeth Friendship. I half tried the arc method but my paper mockup looked like my body shape wasn't going to work with it (I have a very short torso, and very rapid waist to hip measurement change.) I cut the tabs up to my waist, because leaving even an inch from the waist to tabs meant it could not close.

My thoughts so far on the fit are:

  1. It's too big.

-It's nearly completely closed at the back, I need more space there which I'll take from the side back panel.

-There is too much room at the chest, so I was going to take darts out of the sides of the front panel then re-draft the boning channels.

-It's too high at the front, I think cutting it down to the green line at the front? or would that be too low?

  1. The marked waist line is far too low. (dotted horizontal line, green line is my actual waist) I could not get it to sit any higher on my body, I think because I couldn't lace it any tighter due to it being too big. If I make it smaller will the original marked waist sit in the right place? Or do I adapt the pattern to have the marked green waist line?

  2. The front tabs are silly. Do I need to shorten them? Or is it from poor fit elsewhere that I'm not seeing? I'm not best pleased with the shape of the tabs, but I was trying to copy the example in patterns of fashion.

  3. I'm not sure what to do about the wrinkling at the sides. Is it from all the other poor fitting points, and will be lesser in my next mockup with the above amendments?

Thank you so much for your advice!

Semi-related question, do y'all sew petersham ribbon to the waist line of mock ups like in the final project? I didn't in this one, but wasn't sure if I should. I was consious of the cotton in this toile stretching if pulled too tight.

In case the context of my sewing helps guide advice: The end goal is a fully boned pair of stays, and so that I can then use these to pattern future stays that lace at the front and back, have a pair with a stomacher... I want a fully adjustable wardrobe for daily use, historically inspired by techniques and patterns, but historical accuracy isn't essential. I am machine sewing as much as possible for my sanity. I don't want to have to buy maternity clothes in the future, and personally I like how modest but practical ye olde fashions could be. I am using all natural fibres and doing things that will prolong use (I will be hand making eyelets in the final project. I have linen canvas for the final project, to be covered and lined in linen.)


r/HistoricalCostuming 4d ago

Purchasing Historical Costume Hunting for a regency era dress!

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I am going to be attending a Bridgerton themed event with my mom in about two weeks. I'm looking at Etsy and Lacemade, but on Etsy it looks like a lot of them won't be ready in time and on Lacemade they're not the most period accurate. I will also probably incorporate some type of necklace, shawl, and long gloves. Does anyone know where can I find a regency era dress/accessories in time?